Carer stole from step-father to fund drinking habit
A carer who stole money from his step-father to fund his drinking habit has been warned he faces jail.
Darren Jethro Basford, 40, had been entrusted to use his step-father William Henry Wilkinson's bank cards to withdraw money and pay for shopping while acting as his main carer.
But alcoholic Basford made a series of withdrawals to buy alcohol and began hiding Mr Wilkinson's bank statements so he would not find out.
Basford, originally from Welshpool but now living at Lant Avenue, Llandrindod Wells, had been caring for Mr Wilkinson in Welshpool for a number of years and managed to hide his alcoholism for almost a decade.
But while Basford was enjoying a weekend of drinking in Crewe, Cheshire, Mr Wilkinson realised his bank card had been stolen and used by his carer.
At Welshpool Magistrates Court yesterday Basford admitted a charge of theft in that he stole an unknown amount of cash from Mr Wilkinson in Welshpool between November 4, 2013 and April 4, 2014. He also admitted a charge of stealing bank statements belonging to Mr Wilkinson between January 2, 2014 and April 21, 2014.
He admitted a further seven charges of theft of sums adding up to £650 from Mr Wilkinson while he was away in Crewe between April 12 and 15.
Mrs Helen Tench, prosecuting, said that Basford was arrested and in interview gave full and frank admissionshe had been stealing the money to pay for his alcohol habit which saw him drink a bottle of sherry, a bottle of wine and eight cans of lager a day.
Although the total amount stolen is unknown, it is believed to be about £2,000.
Miss Ceri Edwards, for Basford, said her client had given comprehensive confessions to the police and was "disgusted" with himself.
Magistrates said the offences were too serious for their sentencing powers. Basford will appear at Mold Crown Court for sentence on July 4.
