A grandson used his nan's bank card to drain £3,000 of her savings while he was out doing the shopping for her.
Andrew McCoosh made withdrawals from his nan's bank account as he was 'under pressure' to pay off a £2,000 cocaine debt. The 24-year-old was caught out after his nan noticed that money was gone from her Barclays account which she had not withdrawn herself.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how McCoosh tapped into her savings by using the card and pin number which she willingly gave him thinking he was doing her a favour. After his nan noticed the transactions, she investigated further and found another eight which she had not made so notified Barclays of the suspicious activity, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Holly Menary, prosecuting, said: "She had given the defendant access to her card and pin so he could buy groceries and occasionally she would give him the odd £20. But her permission did not extend to withdrawing large amounts of money."
When interviewed, McCoosh admitted he took the money. He said he got into trouble as he owed his cocaine dealer £2,000 "and had been under pressure to get money".
McCoosh, of Walker Place, Tranmere pleaded guilty to stealing £2,860 between June 24 and August 7 last year. Carmel Wilde, defending, said that McCoosh, who has no previous convictions, has been diagnosed with ADHD, depression and anxiety.
Mental health workers are assisting him with interventions and medication. Carmel Wilde said he is "engaging well and there is a realist prospect of rehabilitation". She told the court McCoosh "cannot do unpaid work because of his current addiction and there are still alcohol issues", adding that McCoosh is currently staying between an uncle and friends.
The judge, Recorder Paul Taylor sentenced him to five months imprisonment suspended for 12 months and imposed a six month drug rehabilitation requirement.
