A ‘struggling’ Iraq war veteran stole over £10,000 from his mother’s bank account.
42-year-old Shaun Little admitted transferring huge sums of money over a five-month period via online banking – before spending it on hard drugs and gambling.
The defendant, who lives at the Alabare homeless hostel in Salisbury, was confronted by his mother, from Durrington, about the missing funds in November 2022 and promised to pay her back.
She cancelled her card and ordered new login details for her online banking. However, whilst she was away, her son intercepted the post and gained access to her account once again.
Further money was taken by Little – with a total of £10,500 stolen – between 29 October 2022 and 13 March 2023, prosecutor Kerry Richardson told Salisbury Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday).
The bench was told that the defendant previously defrauded his sister. Funds were given to him to pass to his then-employer for building work that was due to take place, but he spent the money instead. In that case, he also used the money to fund his “out of control” drug and gambling addiction.
Sarah Brown, defending, said her client is “very hopeful you don’t give him immediate custody” but he has cleaned his room at the hostel in case.
“He has done what he can to help himself, he’s done what he can to come off the drugs”, she added – confirming that Little is no longer using illicit substances.
Ms Brown said that he has secured full-time employment at Dunelm in Southampton Road, Salisbury, and has been “open and honest” about his convictions. He starts there on 1 November.
She told the court that he has post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of doing two tours of Iraq with the Royal Logistic Corps.
Taking into account how Little has addressed his drug and gambling habits, and found accommodation and secured a job, the magistrates imposed a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
Some of the funds stolen were recovered by the victim through the bank, however, the defendant was told to repay the money to HSBC as compensation.
