A woman who exploited a wealthy man and splashed £2.5 million of his money on holidays, designer goods and an Aston Martin has been slammed for not showing a "shred of remorse" as she is jailed for more than five years.

Louise Caplan, 34, met her victim, from Marlow - who has high functioning autism - online in October 2017 and they arranged to meet up, with the man paying several hundred pounds for Caplan's sexual services.

They then agreed a monthly financial agreement for several thousands of pounds to see each other.

But between October 2017 and November 2018, she portrayed herself as a successful businesswoman who employed several staff - when in reality she had no job and was on benefits.

Caplan told her wealthy victim she had invested money into projects across the world, which her victim - who by now had become attached to her - also agreed to invest in.

She instead used the cash - totalling £2.5 million - on expensive holidays, in designer stores, a deposit on an Aston Martin and a £1 million house.

Caplan, of White Hart Close in Chalfont St Giles, knew her victim was having to take out loans to keep up with her financial demands but continued to pressure him for cash to fund her extravagant lifestyle anyway.

Her deceit was finally uncovered and she was arrested for fraud by false representation. At a court hearing on May 18, she pleaded guilty.

At an Aylesbury Crown Court sentencing hearing on Friday, October 10, a judge jailed Caplan for five years and three months.

Detective Constable Ross Fleming, of Economic Crime Unit thanked the victim and his family for their "dignity, patience and brutal honesty" throughout the investigation.

He said: "That honesty is in stark contrast to the offender, who has never shown a shred of remorse for the victim, a man who she showered with loving messages and plans for their future, continually manipulating his emotional need for her and exploiting his high functioning autism.

“The offender knew the victim was wealthier than many. However, she continued pressurising the victim for more money, fully aware he was taking out loans to deal with her financial demands. Her extravagant spending highlights not a crime out of necessity or need, but simple greed.

“I would encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the clever tactics used by romance fraudsters, which will help empower our knowledge as a community.

“To anyone affected by romance fraud please understand that this is not your fault. If it has not been reported already, then please report the incident to Action Fraud either online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

“Finally, I would like to remind everyone that as a community we do have the power to eliminate the blame, shame and restore hope for anyone who has experienced this horrific type of crime.

“I would also like to remind anyone in this position that further emotional help and support is available.

“Victims First is available for Thames Valley Police residents in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Oxfordshire).”

See Thames Valley Police's guide to spotting romance fraudsters here - www.thamesvalley.police.uk/police-forces/thames-valley-police/areas/c/2020/a-guide-to-spotting-romance-fraudsters/