Loan shark who left families 'living in fear' jailed

A loan shark who ran an illicit payday loan scheme targeting vulnerable people as he bought and sold games consoles online has been jailed

Alan Fawcett, handed out about £100,000 in loans and recouped some £130,000 in repayments over a two-year period after charging at least 50% interest.

When borrowers struggled to repay the amounts, the 54-year-old threatened them, leaving some "living in fear" for themselves and even their children, a court heard.

Sentencing Fawcett, from Wigan, to four years in prison at Bolton Crown Court, Recorder Nicholas Flanagan said he had no "empathy" for his victims.

Fawcett, of Warrington Road, admitted illegal money lending and money laundering between 2021 and 2023 but disputed the amounts involved and also denied threatening his loanees.

The judge also disqualified him from driving for four years as driving was found to have been crucial for how he operated.

The case was prosecuted by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) in partnership with Wigan Council's trading standards department and Greater Manchester Police.

Police searched his home after he was reported to the IMLT in November 2022.

Investigations showed payments were made into his account with references such as "repay", "loan", "owed" and "money", but Fawcett said he ran a online business buying and selling devices like televisions and Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

However, he was found to have made loans to 72 different borrowers over two years.

Several victims said their first contact was buying a games console online before they went on to be offered loans.

Some witnesses said they received veiled threats and intimidation, and were told his "boys" would come round if they failed to pay.

Recorder Flanagan said Fawcett "teased people into loans" and ran a "considerable enterprise", adding some borrowers were "frightened for the safety of their children".

He said: "One victim had to leave his job because of the stress caused and because of threats by you, and has not been the same since."

Speaking after the hearing, one of Fawcett's victims said: "Alan made me isolate myself and I've not been able to get straight since.

"I still close my blinds and I don't leave the house. Now hopefully this is finally over and I can move on."

Dave Benbow, head of the IMLT, said: "Illegal lenders appear as though they are doing the borrower a favour but things soon turn ugly and even violent."

Kevin Anderson, Wigan Council's portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: "There are cheaper and safer alternatives to loan sharks.

"Although they may seem like an easy option, people may not realise the detrimental impact it can have in the long term."

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