Marc Cole-Jones, a 52-year-old man from Church Grove, Donnington, is set to stand trial at Chester Crown Court after being charged with romance fraud involving seven women. The accused faces 25 counts of fraud by false representation, with the total financial impact estimated at £535,791.41.
Cole-Jones, who is also known by the names Marc Cole, Marcus Cole-Jones, and Marc Sands, appeared at Chester Crown Court on February 27, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was subsequently granted conditional bail.
The trial is scheduled to last four weeks, commencing on June 28, 2027. The charges stem from an extensive investigation conducted by the Economic Crime Unit of Cheshire Police, focusing on allegations that span from 2009 to 2024. The victims reside in various counties across England, including Cheshire, Lancashire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Manchester, and the West Midlands.
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The case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces fighting online and romance scams, which can cause significant emotional and financial harm to victims.