Overview

• Watkin ran the scheme from December 2019 to August 2024 by promising investors luxury Hermès handbags that were never bought.
• He deceived six victims, including friend Hannah Jakes (£98,500), Dress Cheshire owner Christine Colbert (£43,800) and his father (£24,500).
• The 26-year-old cultivated trust through a glamorous social media image and a 2016 appearance in Channel 4’s Rich Kids of Instagram.
• Prosecutors say he diverted the funds into stays at The Dorchester, shopping sprees at Harrods and other lavish personal expenses.
• Arrested in March 2022, Watkin pleaded guilty on June 24 and remains in custody pending sentencing for fraud and prior indecent-images convictions.