[A] MAN who stole more than £21,000 from his brother-in-law has been spared an immediate jail term.
Dennis Arthur Simpson, 64, committed the crime after his wife assumed responsibility over her sibling Cameron McCabe’s financial affairs through a power of attorney. In early 2016, Mr McCabe, who suffered from physical and mental ill health, was detained in hospital.
Without his blameless wife’s knowledge, Simpson took possession of a cashcard and, during a six-month period, made scores of ATM withdrawals from Mr McCabe’s account totalling £21,060.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Simpson, who admitted theft, had lost his job and accrued debts. He had since apologised to his brother-in-law, who told police the incident “left him in turmoil” and placed a “strain” on the family.
Simpson, of Cambeck Rise, Brampton, was said to “bitterly regret” the crime. After hearing he was accepting help to address personal issues, including alcohol misuse, Recorder Julie Clemitson suspended a 21-month jail term for two years.
Recorder Clemitson ordered Simpson to complete rehabilitation and 240 hours’ unpaid work, telling him he had spun a “web of deceit”.
