An alleged victim of Captain Crook, the lothario who posed as a cruise line commander to dupe Mandurah and Perth women out of their money, has expressed her disappointment the convicted criminal has not been charged – three months after his shady past was exposed.
The Mandurah Mail wrote a series of stories to warn potential victims of Brett Turton, a man claiming to be ‘Royal Caribbean cruise line commander Brad Collins, and revealed he was jailed in Melbourne more than a decade ago, for the same tricks.
Nearly three months has gone by and no charges have been laid.
He may have got facial hair. I’ve actually wondered what new name he’s using.
- Annabelle Morgan
Police say inquiries are ongoing into a stealing complaint made by two of the victims who met to return jewellery Mr Turton “stole” from one to give to the other.
Victim Annabelle Morgan says Mr Turton was in hiding and could have fled overseas or to rural West Australia or changed his appearance.
“There is a good chance he is in hiding somewhere,” she said.
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“His photos are out there and he knows someone could recognise him.
“He may have got facial hair. I’ve actually wondered what new name he’s using.”
WAToday reported the Perth woman had met Mr Turton on dating website Oasis and he then moved in, spending five months sponging off her.
He sent her broke and added insult to injury by giving her a ring that he claimed was worth $30,000, which turned out to be worthless.
Read More: Can you help to catch Captain Crook?
Ms Morgan presumed he “knows the laws in WA” and how to avoid being charged.
“We handed over the money for trips and things, so he knows he cannot be charged I am guessing,” she said.
“I’m not sure, but police told me the laws are different to Victoria and it was not as easy to charge him for it.”
Ms Morgan wants closure and justice to served.
”I had a lot of hope he would be charged and sentenced, but nothings happened,” she said.
“I am disappointed because he could be doing this to so many more people.”
Do you know Brett Turton?
- Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
- Get in touch by emailing carla.hildebrandt@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
Follow Carla Hildebrandt on Twitter.