Secret video shame of pervert fraudster

Cheat unmasked after ex-wife found fraudulent invoices and indecent films

- AMY WALKER

A FRAUDSTER who stole thousands of pounds from a hire company was caught out after his ex-wife found fake invoices and secret video recordings of women.

Operations manager Gareth Edwards, 41, falsified freelancers’ invoices before paying the fees to himself to swindle more than £17,000 from Big Chief Tipis, which hired out large Native American-style tipis for parties and events, in Bolton.

Prosecutor Helena Williams told Minshull Street Crown Court Edwards ran the operations team and was earning around £30,000 a year.

After he started the job in 2018, he suggested that the team work on a freelance basis before suggesting that invoices were sent to him directly.

But an accountant noticed discrepancies and Edwards was challenged.