Gambler tried to win back money she stole

COURT: Woman stole from mother £2,000 to feed gambling addiction

A gambling addict stole more than £2,000 from her mother to fund her online slot machine habit.

Nicole Clark made 92 transactions on her mother’s debit card over a two-week period.

Perth Sheriff Court heard some of the payments had been taken as Clark tried to win back some cash.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said: “The offence came to light on August 26 2016 when the complainer tried to withdraw money from the bank – £2,000 was missing.

“The transactions were checked and found that from that card £2,020 had been taken over 92 transactions.

“They were payments to internet businesses and the complainer does not use the internet.

“The internet accounts where the card had been used were held in the accused’s name. When spoken to by police in November 14 she accepted she had taken the money.”

Solicitor Jamie Baxter, defending, said Clark was “mortified” to find herself before the court.

He said the 30-year-old’s gambling addiction was a result of her bipolar disorder.

He said: “At the time she was not in employment and was struggling financially, and was suffering a gambling addiction.

“She had started gambling with online slot machines and had her mother’s bank card, which she used.

“She very much realised that she was in trouble and was increasingly using it, trying to win back what she had lost and to make repayment before the use was uncovered.”

He added Clark had repaid £100 so far and her mother was more concerned with seeing her daughter overcome her issues.

Clark admitted stealing the money at her home address and elsewhere between August 8 and 26 last year.

Sentencing Clark, of Burrell Place, Woodside, Blairgowrie, Sheriff William Wood said: “I have no doubt that you feel ashamed that you have appeared in court. You are embarrassed that this theft from your mother has been aired publicly.”

He ordered her to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work and placed her on an 18-month supervision order.

The internet accounts where the card had been used were held in the accused’s name. When spoken to by police on November 14 she accepted she had taken the money. CAROL WHYTE DEPUTE FISCAL