Gambling addict who embezzled £223,000 is jailed

A GAMBLING addict has been jailed for embezzling £223,000 in four months from the law firm where he worked.

Trainee paralegal Callum Scott, 23, was sentenced to 16 months after he admitted re-directing refunds, repayments or overpayments to customers to his own bank account, to pay off mounting payday loans.

It was a “spectacular breach of trust” against Aberdein Considine, one of Scotland’s largest legal firms, Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard.

Scott, of Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, was “stealing from Peter to pay Paul” during the four-month scam. His deception was discovered following an internal investigation at the firm, sparked when some customers queried why their money had not been returned.

Fiscal depute Colin Neilson told the court Scott helped organise refunds, repayments or overpayments to customers and redirected the cash to his own bank account.

Defence solicitor Jen Pritchard said Scott, who was latterly working as a milkman, found himself in “unique and dark times” due to the nature of his gambling habit but has since “faced his demons”.

Ms Pritchard said Scott had managed to repay close to £160,000 of the total sum he stole. Sheriff Philip Mann described Scott’s actions as a “spectacular breach of trust”.

Aberdein Considine said no client suffered any financial loss.