Cheshire Independent Issue 203

3 JULY 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk A MAN who described himself as Cheshire’s very own Kardashian has pleaded guilty to fraud and theft. Jack Watkin, 26, formerly of Wilmslow Road, Alderley Edge, funded his fantasy Ins- tagram influencer lifestyle by defrauding businesses and individuals to a total value of more than £200,000. Watkin appeared at Ches- ter Crown Court on Tuesday June 24 where he pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud by false representation. He was remanded in cus- tody and is set to be sen- tenced for the fraud and indecent images offences on Wednesday September 3 at Chester Crown Court. The court heard how Wat- kin used the lure of designer handbag brand Hermes as a ruse to trick people into giving him the money he needed to afford his extrav- agant lifestyle. The sought-after handbags can’t be purchased over the counter. You must be invited to buy a Hermes handbag, which makes it a lucrative investment as the resale value can be much higher than the original price. The victims were told by Watkin that he had the con- tacts that could give them access to the handbags and that they could split the prof- its made on resale. They handed over their money in good faith, but when NEWS IN BRIEF MACC-POW! Macclesfield’s Comic Art Festival returned for its 10th anniversary year with a full weekend celebrating comics and comic art. The event included a full day of workshops with guest creators. POLICE fromMacclesfield and Northwich Local Policing Units have been out in force to tackle parking and anti-social behaviour issues in Pickmere. They say they are working closely with the council to introduce additional parking restrictions in the area, to help minimise some of the disruption. CHESHIRE East Council has announced the launch of four new community grant programmes designed to empower local organisations, strengthen neighbourhoods, and support people through challenging times. THIS year’s WilmslowWells for Africa Gardens Day has raised more than £20,000. Visitors enjoyed 18 gardens on display in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Mobberley and Mottram St Andrew. The cash will be used to provide fresh water, hygiene and sanitation in some of the poorest areas of Africa. MACCLESFIELD Council is looking to appoint a public realm steward to help keep the town centre clean, safe and welcoming. The part-time job is a new role being piloted by the council for 12 months. Self-proclaimed ‘Kardashian of Cheshire’ admits fraud Handbag fraudster: A social media image of JackWatkin (Photo credit: Cheshire Police) Guilty pleas: JackWatkin (Photo credit: Cheshire Police) no bag or sign of any money from the investment opportu- nity arose, they would begin to ask for their money back, but he always had excuses. He duped one woman into handing over thousands thinking she was investing in the much sought after lux- ury handbag when she was in fact paying his bills at the Dorchester Hotel in London. She, like the others never received the handbags or their share in the profits of their resale. An investigation was launched after the woman contacted the Metropolitan Police in 2022 when she became suspicious of Watkin’s continued excuses. The case was subse- quently referred to Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit, who launched a full investigation. Its enquiries unearthed a string of victims and a breath-taking amount of lux- ury goods, and hotel bills that Watkin’s afforded by swindling his six victims. During the investigation detectives also found indecent images on his mobile phone. He was found guilty at a pre- vious hearing for possession of indecent images, extreme pornography and prohib- ited images. Speaking after the latest court hearing, Detective Con- stable Gareth Yates, of Chesh- ire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Watkin’s victims lost thousands and for some, their reputation was negatively affected when deals were unable to be honoured because of Watkin’s crimi- nal enterprise. “Watkin deluded himself that he was a successful rich kid influencer, but in reality, he was stealing money from wealthy individuals under the guise of ‘business oppor- tunities’ to fund his expen- sive habit of fast cars, luxury goods, including Versace crock- ery, and designer footwear and clothing. “It was never going to end well, and his downfall was inevitable. Eventually his lies caught up with him and he is now facing the conse- quences of his deceit, and his perversions.” SPECIAL REPORT