Man who stole his grandmother's life savings to pay drug debt escapes jail
A drug addict who stole his grandmother’s £10,000 life savings has escaped an immediate jail sentence after the court heard he had been drug free for 18 months.
Jordan Hitchin, 27 and previously of Wellington, stole the money in May 2020. His grandmother had about £10,000 but Hitchin took her bank card and withdrew money to pay off drug dealers.
It had left her hurt and shocked and worried about paying bills, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.
Mrs Debra White, for Hitchin, said her client had a £6-7,000 drug debt.
"Prior to his drug addiction he was of good character," she said.
"The drug dealers began to threaten him and his family with violence and one turned up at his grandmother's home. He did not know where to turn.
"Unfortunately he turned to his grandmother's bank account. He is profoundly ashamed."
Mr Recorder Julian Taylor aid drug addiction was no excuse for taking money off his grandmother when he was supposed to be looking after her.
"You were a young man with a good character and future ahead of you," he said.
"Your parents are both here to support you which is one of the reasons I was able to suspend your sentence."
Hitchin, of Langdale Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, admitted theft at an earlier hearing and was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
He was given a three-month overnight curfew and told to complete a drugs rehabilitation order and pay £450 costs.
Mr Recorder Taylor said it had been a despicable crime against his grandmother after she had put her trust in him.
He said: "I know you have now repaid her but she thought she had lost her life savings. I hope you can patch things up with her and ask her forgiveness."
