Wigan Man Steals £30k But Avoids Jail

22 February 2013, 14:09 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man who snuck into his ex-wife's home in Wigan every week for three years, stealing more than 30 thousand pounds has avoided jail.

47-year-old Bernard Young kept a key to the house in Bank Street in Golborne, without his former partner's knowledge, stealing a bank card and withdrawing cash.

The money actually belonged to his 68-year-old brother-in-law, who lived alone. Young's ex-wife used the card to buy shopping and essentials on his behalf.

Young knew how much was usually withdrawn and from January 2007, began stealing the bank card on an almost weekly basis and making withdrawals of the same amount.

He would then keep the money for himself. You can watch a video of him below using the card to withdraw cash:

The 47-year-old admitted six counts of fruad by false representation and was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Over six years he stole a total of £30,280.00 - his brother-in-law’s life savings.

Police Constable Sarah Langley, of the Volume Fraud Team, said: "The further we delved into Young’s actions, the more astounded we became at his shameless behaviour.

"Not only did he steal from his brother-in-law while he was living with his ex-wife, he continued to do so for three years afterwards by breaking into her home on what was probably in excess of 100 times.

"His theft was calculated and malicious. He was particular about the amounts he withdrew in a blatant attempt to not arouse suspicion and he did this simply in order to carry on as long as possible.

"To that end he was successful because he only got caught out when the well ran dry and he had stolen his brother-in-law’s life savings.

"He has been sentenced for his actions today and we have restrained his barge in an attempt to recoup what we can of the victim’s lost cash."