Former seaman left OAP with just £2.10 after stealing life savings

Jesse Fenwick was given access to Raymond Blackburn's bank account so he could help the pensioner, who has since died, with shopping and bills.

But Newcastle Crown Court heard the 39-year-old spent the cash on takeaways, goods from Amazon, clothes and cocaine.

Prosecutor Paul Cross told the court Mr Blackburn was in his 60s, lived in supported accommodation in Sunderland and had health issues which left him unable to leave the house.

Between March 2018 and April 2019 Fenwick took over responsibilities for getting his groceries and paying bills.

Mr Cross said it was after Mr Blackburn was informed that his gas, electricity and rent were in arrears that he asked another family member to check his account.

Mr Cross added: "When looking through his bank statement she could see all his money had gone.

"At the time he had given Jesse Fenwick access, it had a balance of about £5,000 and, despite regular payments into the account from his pension, it had depleted to £2.10.

"Mr Blackburn's bank statements reveal he had stolen more than £10,000."

Mr Cross said the vast majority of the money was taken through cash withdrawals of between £150-£300 at a time, with huge sums going to "drug dealers".

The court heard Mr Blackburn had made an impact statement before his death.

Mr Cross said: "He thought he could trust the defendant. He was left in a position where his savings were taken from him and he couldn't pay his rent."

Fenwick initially claimed he had spent the money with Mr Blackburn's permission but eventually "broke down" and admitted he had a cocaine habit.

Fenwick, of Waterford Green, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to theft and fraud.

Judge Tim Gittins sentenced Fenwick to 18 months behind bars, telling him: "You visited him regularly and you offered to take over his financial responsibilities and shop for him but that apparent act of kindness disguised what you were really about.”

The judge said Fenwick was given credit for the service he gave to his country for around ten years.

Nigel Hedley, defending, said Fenwick has "lost his family" as a result of what he did and added: "He is truly remorseful for his actions."