Dani Dyer’s tears as baby daddy Sammy Kimmence is sent down

We all know that Instagram is just a highlights reel – full of highly filtered images that never tell the full picture; and when it comes to Dani Dyer’s online output, that is most definitely true. After all, on a day that must have been up there as one of the most worst days of her life – the day her partner Sammy Kimmence, with whom she shares seven-month-old son Santiago, was jailed for three-and-a-half years for fraud – the 24 year old was smiling away, excitedly telling fans about her upcoming holiday and giving updates on her experiences with weaning. But behind the happy exterior, sources said that Dani was in turmoil, agonising over the decision to end her relationship with Sammy after telling friends he had lied to her.

By all accounts, Sammy’s sentencing had been a long time coming. He first appeared in court in February 2020, and initially pleaded not guilty to scamming two pensioners out of their life savings and pocketing the cash himself. He was released on bail at the time and COVID delayed his trial for over a year – during which time he and Dani welcomed baby Santi. According to sources, the pair put the court case to the back of their minds, and Sammy reportedly downplayed his charges and reassured Dani that he’d be let off. But in April this year, he finally entered the dock and changed his plea, admitting he was guilty of all charges.

The court heard how Sammy – who wept as he was sentenced – had previously worked as a trader for a legitimate investment company, Equine Global Sports Limited, which subsequently folded. He later pursued two of the company’s former clients – Peter Martin, who died last year aged 91, and Peter Haynes, 81 – and told them he was personally authorised to provide financial services, convincing them to hand over their internet banking passwords, credit cards and bank cards. He then conned them out of a total of £34k, which he used to fund his extravagant lifestyle – including splashing out on expensive nightclubs and restaurants, going on holiday and getting a personalised number plate for his Mercedes.

Dani herself has remained silent throughout the case – but sources have said she was standing by him. The couple originally dated before Dani entered the Love Island villa in 2018 (which she won with ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham); she and Sammy then got back together two years ago and, apart from a brief split in early 2020 (when Sammy was first charged with fraud), have been together ever since, with wedding bells apparently on the horizon. Indeed, until a few months ago, Dani was posting pictures of them looking loved-up and posing with Santi, telling Sammy – and the world – how much she loved him. In March, she wrote, “You are such an amazing dad to Santi and we are both so lucky to have you. Love you more than I could ever describe.” She also previously told heat, “Things are really, really good with us. He’s my best friend. My mum and dad love him, and this is the first boyfriend my sister likes.”

According to insiders, Dani was unaware of the full extent of Sammy’s offences, and had been so sure that he’d be left off last week that she’d booked a holiday for them and Santi to go on shortly after the sentencing date. “He led her to believe he hadn’t done anything too serious and that he would get a suspended sentenced,” said one source last week. “Now she knows the full horror of the crime… She is absolutely floored by what’s happened with Sammy. She knows she has to make massive changes in her life and she’s so distraught. All she knows is that her baby boy Santiago is the only thing that matters now and she is trying to work out how best to look after him as a single parent.”

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Sammy’s trial was an eye-opening experience for everyone – not least Dani – as it painted the picture of a calculating, manipulative conman. Prosecutor Mike Mason said the 25 year old had “groomed” his elderly victims and had acted like a “fox getting a key to the chicken pen”. He continued, “He targeted them because they were old, they were vulnerable and somewhat isolated. This wasn’t something he migrated into from a friendship. This was something he planned.”

The court also heard testimonies from Sammy’s victims. Peter Haynes said he was “sick with worry” after his savings had been “wiped out”, while Peter Martin said in a statement before he died, “I have been left at times very stressed over having now given thousands to Sammy, who I thought was investing it for me. This whole process has affected my trust in people.”

The victims’ relatives welcomed Sammy’s guilty verdict and added more detail about how his actions had affected them. Mr Martin’s brother Brian said, “This man got everything he deserved, and I am glad that he is now in prison and will not be able to ruin any more lives. What he did was despicable. And, as for his tears in court, they were just crocodile tears. His only concern was for himself. [Peter] barely had enough money to eat. All of his money had been taken and he was in a lot of debt. He was just living month to month.”

Delivering his verdict, Judge Timothy Mousley QC told Sammy, “You defrauded two men of significant sums of money. Both were elderly gentlemen, neither was a wealthy man. Whilst these men trusted you, you used their money to fund your lifestyle. This was a significant abuse of trust. You didn’t show any remorse immediately and I do not consider any remorse to be profound.” He then handed down the 42-month sentence – at least half of which Sammy must spend behind bars.

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Meanwhile, while Sammy was being taken away to begin his sentence, Dani gave the impression to her fans that she didn’t have a care in the world, beyond the stress of packing for a baby. Posting on Insta-stories, she excitedly told fans she was prepping for Santi’s first holiday, and wrote, “Holiday packing and Santi’s stuff takes up most of the room already. I over-pack as it is, but with a baby OMG!” She then spoke to the camera and appeared cheerful and bubbly as she gave her followers updates on her experiences with weaning. But the next day, she was seen looking downcast at an Essex car dealership, as she returned her ex-partner’s new £47, 000 BMW X4. And sources have said it’s likely she and Sammy are over for good, making it clear that she never knew the full picture.

“She feels utterly stupid for ever believing him and she is totally overwhelmed,” said an insider last week, as Dani and baby Santi flew off on their trip without Sammy. “The little dream family she thought she had has been smashed apart and she is now trying to work out how best to pick up the pieces.”

Read more in the latest issue of heat magazine – OUT NOW.