Overview
- Jurors at Snaresbrook Crown Court unanimously convicted Baker on 18 counts of fraud by false representation after a month-long trial.
- Baker targeted five divorced single mothers he met on dating apps, posing as an online bookmaker and promising “zero risk” returns.
- Victims were urged to sell homes or take out loans of up to £200,000, with funds gambled away on platforms including Betfair.
- The women included a police officer, an NHS nurse and an accountant, and further complainants have since come forward with alleged losses that push the total beyond £1 million.
- Reporters in court said Baker muttered “Happy Christmas” as he was led from the dock following sentencing by Judge Charles Falk.