A man described as London and Britain's most prolific romance fraudster has been sentenced to a record 17 years in prison for a cruel scam that stripped five divorced mothers of their life savings.
A Calculated Betrayal of Trust
Nigel Baker, 56, from Romford, systematically targeted single mothers on dating apps like Plenty of Fish, presenting himself as a vulnerable but successful businessman seeking a lifelong partner. Over eight years, between 2012 and 2020, he manipulated his victims into handing over almost £1 million, which he then lost on gambling platforms like Betfair.
His Honour Judge Charles Falk, sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, branded Baker a "complete charlatan" who had "mercilessly and cynically exploited" the women's trust. The judge stated the fraud was not opportunistic but "deliberate, calculated and persistent."
How the Fraud Unfolded
Baker, a self-confessed gambling addict, convinced the women he was an online bookmaker. He promised their money was for "trading" and carried "zero risk," assuring them he could build a future together. In reality, he used every penny to place bets.
He pressured the victims, who included police officers, accountants, a nurse, and successful businesswomen, to take drastic financial steps. They were encouraged to:
- Take out loans as large as £200,000.
- Sell their homes or take out bridging loans against them.
- Hand over savings meant for their children's weddings.
When funds dried up, Baker threatened to end the relationships. He fabricated crises to solicit more cash, claiming he needed money for his children's food, his father's boiler, vet bills for his dog, and even that a London gang would kill him without a £50,000 payment.
Devastation and a Landmark Sentence
The emotional and financial toll on the victims was profound. One woman, a divorced police officer who lost nearly £80,000, told the court she felt "ashamed, disgusted and used." She described Baker as a "dangerous predator" whose touch now made her skin crawl.
An accountant and grandmother in her 60s, who took a £200,000 loan against her home, said Baker had "humiliated" her and devastated her family. She demanded he "pay for every life he ruined."
The court heard that one Betfair account, funded by a victim and used by Baker, showed staggering losses of nearly £4 million. While the trial focused on five victims, others have come forward, suggesting the total losses far exceed the £900,000 formally cited.
After a month-long trial earlier this year, Baker was unanimously convicted of 18 counts of fraud by false representation. His 17-year sentence is believed to be the longest ever imposed in Britain for a romance fraud case. As he was led from the dock, he muttered "Happy Christmas" to his horrified victims.
