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Woman deceived ex-partner that she had given birth to his babies, judge rules
The judge said the woman’s lies led the man to pay about £30,000 and believe he had two children who likely never existed.
A High Court judge, Mrs Justice Judd, ruled that a woman named Jane conducted an "extraordinary" and "elaborate campaign of deceit" against her former partner, John, regarding two non-existent children.
Beginning in late 2022, Jane convinced John she was pregnant by sending ultrasound photos and appearing "visibly pregnant," leading him to believe he was the father of two children.
Over the course of two years, John paid Jane around £30,000, later applying to the Family Court after she claimed she sold their two children for a combined £500.
Admitting to the court that she lied, Jane had previously alleged John assaulted her, an accusation that resulted in his arrest and remand for several months.
Mrs Justice Judd concluded that factors weighing against the children existing were "very strong," noting that while financial fraud is a "possibility," Jane may also suffer from "complex mental health problems.