A WOMAN who lost tens of thousands of pounds in an investment fraud has described convicted conman John Hirst as “absolutely charming”.

Hirst, 61, of Millroyd Mill, Huddersfield Road, Brighouse, has accepted his involvement in a so-called ‘Ponzi’ scheme which swindled ex-pats in Mallorca out of millions of pounds.

And a jury has already been told that in the 1990s he was jailed for a scam involving ex-miners.

Bradford Crown Court has been hearing evidence from investors who lost money and yesterday one of them, Jenny May, was asked by the barrister representing Hirst’s separated wife Linda what her husband was like.

“He must have been a very plausible person, very believable,” suggested Mr Nigel Sagster QC.

“He was charming. Absolutely charming,” said Mrs May.

Under the scheme investors were promised returns of 18% a year plus a 2% bonus and Mrs May said she had been assured by financial advisor Richard Pollett that there was nothing to worry about.