Police hunt man who tricked couple into thinking he was a millionaire

A man who tricked a couple into thinking he was a millionaire investor has failed to appear in court.

Damien Tideswell, 42, was due to appear at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, May 2, to be sentenced for two counts of fraud, but did not attend his hearing. The 42-year-old, of Hale Drive, Liverpool, told a couple, who he was friends with, he had £3.5m in overseas accounts, but his bank accounts had been frozen by HMRC.

He asked the couple if he could loan money in order to repay a fine and assured them he would repay all the money - plus more to cover interest - as soon as his account was unfrozen. The couple had trusted their "friend," however he defrauded them out of £360,200.

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Tideswell was later arrested following a warrant at his home in December 2021, and later charged with two counts of fraud. He pleaded guilty to the offences at a previous hearing on Thursday, March 7.

Police have issued a warrant after he failed to show for sentencing at Chester Crown Court today (Thurs).

The 42-year-old is described as white, around 6'3" tall, of heavy build, with brown eyes and short dark brown hair. He is from the Liverpool area, but also has links to the Flintshire area.

Anyone who sees him should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 quoting 24000403304 or report it via the website. Alternatively, information regarding Tideswell's whereabouts can be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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