A MAN has been jailed for eight years after a £2 million fraud.

Adam Woricker, 41, of Main Road, South Woodham Ferrers, admitted at Chelmsford Crown Court 34 theft and fraud offences.

He was jailed for a total of eight years, receiving four years for theft from investors and four years for theft involving his employers and for forgery elements of the case. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

Det Con Ian Bloomfield, the Essex Police Serious Economic Crime unit investigating officer, said Woricker left people “financially ruined”.

He said: “Woricker had a lucrative career in London, but this was not enough for him. He became involved in an investment scheme, called a Ponzi scheme, but then played fast and loose with other people’s money, leaving some financially ruined.

“Woricker dishonestly hooked people into the scheme and because he was their accountant he knew how much they had available and took them for what he knew they were worth. He persuaded some to spend their life savings or invest with him. rather than pay off their mortgage.

“He stole over £2million, and spent cash on shopping sprees for designer clothes and jewellery for him and his wife and drove high-value cars.”

Mr Bloomfield added: “I hope this lengthy prison sentence will give Woricker time to reflect on his actions, which left some victims penniless. I also hope it allows his victims a degree of closure and that they will be able to rebuild their lives and move on.”