Family Accuses ‘The Salt Path’ Author Raynor Winn of Fraud

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Family Accuses ‘The Salt Path’ Author Raynor Winn of Fraud Mother and Daughter Share Their Experience A Story of Betrayal Payment and Resolution Dealing with the Fallout Sign up for our Newsletter

Ros Hemmings and her daughter Debbie Adams, from Pwllheli in Gwynedd, have publicly accused author Raynor Winn of stealing approximately £64,000 from their property business during her employment in the early 2000s. This revelation comes after an investigation by the Observer suggested that Winn may have provided misleading information in her bestselling book, ‘The Salt Path’. Winn has disputed the claims, calling the report “highly misleading”.

A Story of Betrayal

According to the Hemmings, their relationship with Winn began when she and Ros worked together at a National Trust site in the 1990s. When Winn lost her job as a bookkeeper at a hotel, she was recommended to Ros’s husband, Martin Hemmings, who needed a bookkeeper for his property business. However, the Hemmings allege that within a year, the profitability of the business began to decline. Further investigation revealed that a large sum of money was missing.

Payment and Resolution

After confronting Winn, the Hemmings claim she returned £9,000, stating it was all she had. They accepted the money, but upon further review of their accounts, they determined that approximately £64,000 had been taken. Winn’s solicitor later offered to repay the missing money and legal fees, totalling around £90,000, on the condition that the Hemmings did not pursue criminal charges. The Hemmings agreed to these terms, wanting to avoid causing hardship for Winn’s young children.

Dealing with the Fallout

Despite the resolution, the Hemmings express regret and hurt over the situation. They claim the ordeal has greatly damaged their trust in others and caused significant emotional distress. Meanwhile, Winn has acknowledged making “mistakes” during her career in a statement following the Observer article. She expressed deep regret for these mistakes but emphasized that she was not charged with any crime.

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