[A] GAMBLING addict who stole almost £54,000 from his elderly mother has been sent to prison.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how 49-year-of Colin Little “systematically raided” Margaret Little’s bank account, into which proceeds of her house sale had been paid.
Colin Little pinched a total of £53,810, spending it over several months in 2015 on “massive” online betting sprees.
His wife, 54-year-old Jacqueline, also dipped into the pensioner’s diminishing money pot as she and her husband splashed out on a new £4,500 bathroom and replacement wedding rings.
At that time the couple, of Watson Street, Carlisle, held power of attorney over Mrs Little’s affairs after she started showing signs of mental decline. Aged in her 70s, the pensioner was left “devastated” by their crime and felt “without a family”.
Colin Little admitted theft while Jacqueline Little denied the charge. She was found unanimously guilty by a jury after a trial earlier this week.
Colin Little was jailed for 32 months today (FRI), while his wife had a 12-month term suspended for two years. Jacqueline Little must also complete 200 hours’ unpaid work.
Recorder David Potter told the couple: “In my judgement this was naked greed on both your parts.”
