A conman who wooed a former school sweetheart over Facebook left her feeling “devastated and suicidal” after blowing her life savings on a sports car, drugs and new lover.

Trusting victim Anne Fontaine sent Mark Mackenzie her £36,000 nest egg and then left her home in California to start a new life with him in the UK.

Mackenzie seduced her with claims he was earning £3,000 a month, telling her: “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you and we will grow old together.”

But when she arrived in Britain, she discovered the heartless fraudster had splurged her savings, and rented a grubby flat that reeked of urine.

Ms Fontaine, who has been left virtually penniless, told a judge in her victim impact statement: “I am absolutely devastated and feeling suicidal.”

After a successful 25 years in America, she was contacted by former school friend Mackenzie through Facebook and the two began a relationship.

The prosecutor said they decided to move in together and she transferred funds to his bank account so he could furnish a flat in Worthing.

But Mackenzie later admitted he had used the rest of the cash on upgrading his car to a sporty Peugeot, buying Class A drugs, and on another lover.

Nicholas Hall, defending, said Mackenzie, was now disabled and living on benefits.

“He is extremely remorseful and admits that he made a grave error,” he said.

He claimed Mackenzie had a drugs habit which got out of control.

"She is now unable to sleep and is unable to face reality and suffering nightmares..." - Judge Rupert Lowe

Mackenzie, of The Paddock, Old Wives Lees, admitted theft at Canterbury Crown Court and was jailed for 18 months.

Judge Rupert Lowe told him: “You were nowhere to be seen. She is now unable to sleep and is unable to face reality and suffering nightmares.

“This was a very trusting arrangement for a lady to have had with someone she had not seen for decades.

“You knew that and you took advantage.”

The cruel thief had also signed off the tenancy, leaving her to foot all the bills.

The judge urged Mackenzie to save up and repay her when he is released from jail.

He added: “If I could, I would add that as a condition to your sentence.”