POLICE have praised two vulnerable victims for having the courage to speak to officers after they were targeted by “predatory” Cirencester man Benjamin Savory, who bullied them into giving him money.

After 23-year-old Savory, who has also used the surname Saunders, was jailed for 22 months last week, police in Cirencester called him a “bully” and “predator”.

Savory, of Melbourne Gardens, targeted his victims because of their vulnerability and took as much as £2,500 from one of them, leaving them both scared to leave their homes.

Cotswold Police Sergeant Garrett Gloyn told the Standard: “His relationship with these two men was predatory, he took advantage of their vulnerabilities.”

Savory admitted two counts of fraud by misrepresentation against Martin Henderson and Frank Maitland-Sadler-Moor at Gloucester Crown Court.

As well as the jail term the judge imposed a restraining order banning Savory from contacting either victim or going to their homes for five years.

Julian Kesner, prosecuting, said Savory’s offences against Mr Henderson went on for two years and Mr Maitland-Sadler-Moor was targeted for three weeks.

Sgt Gloyn said: “We are particularly pleased that the court issued a restraining order against Mr Savory that will prevent him from contacting the victims for some years after his release from prison. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Sgt Garrett Gloyn

Referring to the victims, he added: “We are also pleased that they were able to come forward to us and we commend them for doing so."

He also praised the work of Cirencester Signpost co-ordinators Graham and Juliette Harris.

Signpost offers support to the lonely, vulnerable and marginalised, as well as those experiencing financial hardship.

Read Cirencester 'bully' Benjamin Savory jailed for 22 months after fleecing vulnerable men of large sums of money for the full court report.