Two UK gamblers have exploited unsuspecting victims to fund their habits in two distinct incidents.
The first gambler, Bianca Young, a carer from Todmorden, West Yorkshire, stole over £20,000 from an elderly stroke victim. The victim, in his 70s, was hospitalized in December 2022, providing Young with the opportunity to use his checkbook for online gambling. Young, aged 43, was arrested in March 2023 when bank statements revealed the theft. She admitted to theft and possession of fraudulent articles and received a 12-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months. Young must also complete 240 hours of unpaid community service.
In a separate case, Liam John Harbottle, a conman from Ripon, North Yorkshire, posing as a bathroom fitter, stole a similar amount by taking advance payments from clients without completing the work. Changing company names and using aliases, Harbottle used the funds for gambling, accruing debts. In March, he pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges and theft. Last week, he received a two-year suspended prison sentence in York Crown Court, must repay nearly £20,000 to his victims, and perform 180 hours of unpaid community service.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com