Son fleeced £300k from mum to feed drug addiction

A SON fleeced his mum of her savings to feed his drug and gambling addiction, leaving her in debt and having to use a food bank. And when police asked him why he told them: “I did do it, she was easy to manipulate.”

Bristol Crown Court heard Matthew Derrick continually pestered his 69-year-old mum for money, claiming he was at risk of beatings or worse from drug dealers. After succumbing to his prolonged pressure between 2017 and 2022, and even selling a rental property which was planned to support her retirement, she eventually handed him a total of £300,000.

The court heard she suffered both physical and mental repercussions as a result. The final straw came when Derrick forced his way into her Bristol home and smashed her mobile phone and landline, and she alerted police.

Derrick, 41, said to be of no fixed address and living in a tent, pleaded guilty to harassment as well as controlling or coercive behaviour. Judge Mark Horton jailed him for two years and eight months.

The judge told him: “You put your own needs ahead of your mother. Those actions gave you a sense of empowerment over her

“You were abusive. bullying, threatening and manipulative. You had little regard for your retired mother, leaving her with the debt that you did.”

The judge imposed a restraining order banning Derrick from contacting his mum for five years. He was ordered to pay a £190 victim surcharge.

Lucy Eastwood, prosecuting, said Derrick lost work due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He then persistently pestered his mum for cash, claiming drug dealers had threatened to harm him, and she gave him sums he asked for.

Even when his mum was hospitalised he continued his cadging campaign, the court heard. In July this year he forced his way into his mum’s home and when she tried to call for help he threw her mobile phone away and smashed her landline.

He told police who interviewed him: “I did do it. She was easy to manipulate.”

Though he was offered a police caution he failed to attend for appointments and was prosecuted, the court heard.

His mum ended up in debt and staying with friends. She changed her telephone number and changed the time she attended church.

Katie Jenkins, defending, said: “He expresses remorse. He understands how serious this is.

“He is ashamed of his behaviour. He knows things have to change.”