Twisted individual Edward Putman has a history of exploiting those closest to him. Since being convicted of rape in 1991, his life has been marked by a series of cruel acts, including allegations of domestic violence, benefit fraud, and violence, culminating in the elaborate 2009 National Lottery deception.
The scam was orchestrated through an unlikely alliance between Putman and Camelot fraud worker Giles Knibbs. With a forged ticket, Putman claimed £2.5 million and indulged in a luxurious lifestyle, splurging on BMWs and extravagant vacations. The scheme remained undetected for seven years until the Gambling Commission penalized Camelot £3 million in 2016 for lax controls that allowed a tampered ticket to win.
Investigations into council records and land deeds uncovered Putman’s spending spree, including a significant amount of cash, post-lottery win, on his partner’s property, transforming it into a decrepit car collection site. Following his imprisonment, the vacant house was set ablaze by arsonists. Despite being released early from jail, Putman recently settled a Proceeds of Crime Act court order, leaving the fate of over £1 million from the fraud uncertain.
The impact of Putman’s criminal activities on those in his circle remains profound, despite the legal developments.