Carer stole from his father to feed drug habit

Craig Bingham, 48, looks after his father and has access his bank account and PIN, Leeds Crown Court was told, and began withdrawing sums of money to buy amphetamine.

But Bingham's sister-in-law, who also had access to the account, became suspicious and found that 26 withdrawal transactions had been made that were unaccounted for.

Prosecutor Kristian Kavanagh said that the police were called and Bingham was supportive of an investigation.

During interview, Bingham admitted using the bank card without permission.

He said he found it increasingly difficult to look after his father and turned to drugs, using the money he stole to buy more.

An impact statement from his father said he could not believe that his son would steal from him, but he had forgiven him.

The court was told that Bingham, of Northfield Road, Wakefield, had eight previous convictions for 23 offences.

He admitted a charge of theft in relation to the missing money.

No mitigation was given by Bingham's barrister, Sean Smith, during the hearing.

Judge Tom Bayliss QC told Bingham: "It was a mean offence, you stole £2,000 from your father and it's a gross breach of trust.2

He handed him a six-month jail term, suspended for 12 months.