Two men have been remanded in custody after appearing in court over the alleged kidnapping and defrauding of an elderly woman in Solihull in a disturbing bogus workmen case.
Court Appearance and Charges
David Meredith, 59, of Port Street in Evesham, and Shane Perry, 54, of Birmingham Road in Stratford, stood before Coventry Magistrates' Court on Thursday, November 13. Both men face serious charges of kidnap and conspiracy to commit fraud following the reported incident involving a woman in her 80s.
West Midlands Police confirmed the pair were identified and arrested on Tuesday, November 11. They have been charged with multiple fraud offences alongside the kidnap charge and were both remanded in custody. Their next court appearance is scheduled for next month.
Details of the Alleged Offence
The investigation began after police received reports that two men were posing as workmen and taking advantage of an elderly woman. It is alleged that the men coerced the victim, who suffers from dementia, into going to her bank to withdraw thousands of pounds in cash.
They falsely claimed the money was payment for work that had been completed. However, a police investigation found that no work was ever carried out at the woman's property.
In a deeply alarming development, police also alleged that the woman was held in a van against her will during this ordeal.
Police Response and Community Warning
A West Midlands Police spokesperson provided some reassurance, stating: “Thankfully, the woman was not hurt and is being supported.”
Inspector Mark Heard from Solihull Police strongly condemned the crime, saying: “Any crime targeting our most vulnerable is disgraceful.” He urged the public to remain vigilant, adding, “Anyone who has concerns about whether their friends or family are being targeted, then they should contact us.”
This case has highlighted the cruel tactics used by criminals who specifically prey on elderly and vulnerable members of the community.
