A MILFORD Haven man took £25,000 from his elderly mother in order to fund his gambling habit, a court heard today (Wednesday).

Richard Keith Lightfoot of Fettle Court, Victoria Road appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates to face two fraud charges and one of theft.

The 53 year-old pleaded guilty to taking money from the bank account of 84 year-old Rosina Lightfoot and ordering items from her catalogue account without her consent.

He also admitted to stealing his mother’s jewellery.

Prosecuting, Lesley Harbon said Lightfoot was living with his mother as her carer during the time of the offences and was receiving a carer’s allowance.

Mrs Lightfoot suspected her son when she found her monthly bank statements had been opened, and when parcels arrived at the house from JD Williams Catalogue Company, despite her having not placed any orders.

Lightfoot told her he was looking after parcels for a neighbour.

Mrs Harbon asked for the case to be sent to crown court for sentencing, but defence solicitor Mike Kelleher urged the magistrates to retain jurisdiction.

“This case is something of a tragedy,” he said.

“The investigation started a year ago, and as part of his bail conditions Mr Lightfoot has been ordered not to contact his mother.

“Mr Lightfoot had a very severe gambling problem and admits it got the better of him. But one good thing to come out of this is that he no longer gambles, as he doesn’t have the means to do it.”

Reading a statement out on behalf of Mrs Lightfoot, Mr Kelleher said: “Richard cannot be allowed to get away with this, although I certainly don’t want him to go to prison.”

After some consideration, the presiding magistrate said: “We feel this is an abuse of trust over a sustained period of time on a vulnerable victim causing her a £25,000 loss.

“We feel it is more appropriate to be sentenced in Swansea Crown Court.”

The date was set for March 27. Lightfoot was released on conditional bail until that date.