Cannabis addict plundered £14k from grandad’s savings

account to his own home.

His grandfather only became aware something was wrong when he was asked about the credit card in his name. He then contacted his daughter, Gillott’s mother, and she discovered the truth.

Between November 2015 and November last year Gillott had defrauded a total of £14,219.42. The bank has since refunded £13,920 to his grandfather.

When officers went to Macaulay Gillott’s home they found the bank letters sent to his grandfather, documents showing the defendant was in rent arrears and six suicide notes written to his family.

Clare Walsh, representing Gillott, said: “He knows this is a despicable offence which has caused irreparable damage to his relationship with his mother and grandfather.”

She said Gillott had been using cannabis since his early teens and his addiction had become so bad by the time of the offences his monthly habit was greater than his £250 a month income.

Drugs were at the root of his problems, but some weeks before the police were involved he had become disgusted with his behaviour and had tried to take his own life. He had only made himself ill, but still had the suicide notes when arrested.

Gillott, of Town Avenue, Leeds Road, Huddersfield, admitted three charges of fraud by false representation and was jailed for 12 months with one month consecutive for failing to attend court in May.

Judge Robin Mairs said the offences were persistent and “mean.”

“This has had a shattering effect upon your family,” he told Gillott.