A fraudster who targeted more than 20 victims in a scam involving luxury watches, gold, and jewelry valued at £2 million has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. James Charles, 49, promised to sell expensive items, often heirlooms, for a commission but instead kept the proceeds.

Charles appeared at Southwark Crown Court, where approximately a dozen victims were present for the sentencing. He had initially denied the offenses but later pleaded guilty to four counts of fraudulent trading through his companies, Olympia Mayfair and National Gold Buyers. Two additional counts of fraudulent trading and one count of fraud by false representation were also considered.

The court heard that Charles would visit victims' homes or meet them in rented London offices to lend credibility to his schemes. Over seven years, he took goods worth more than £2 million, never returning them or the full sale value. Judge Martin Griffith noted that Charles sold the items quickly for less than their valuation and consistently deceived customers with lies.

Charles has a history of fraud, having previously served prison sentences under the name Jamie Goatley. He was convicted in 1999 for defrauding an elderly woman, imprisoned for theft in 2004, and received a six-year sentence in 2013 for theft and fraud. After his arrest by Sussex Police for driving under the influence, he established two more companies, Kingsley & Co and Richmond & Sterling, leading to further victims.

Victims reported losing significant assets, including a £107,000 gold bar, multiple watches, Patek Philippe and Rolex timepieces, and designer handbags. One 77-year-old pensioner lost retirement savings in gold coins, while another victim described the ordeal as having "consumed my life." An elderly woman nearly ninety years old was also among those conned.

Charles submitted a letter to the judge citing learning difficulties and dyslexia as factors contributing to his poor decisions. His defense lawyer stated that Charles is at a "low ebb" and has expressed remorse.

Upon his release, Charles will be subject to a ten-year disqualification from running a company.