A 54-year-old Claydon man has been jailed after fleecing a vulnerable former neighbour out of more than £11,000 in two-and-a-half years.
Colin Yates, of Station Road, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment by Ipswich Crown Court after he had previously pleaded guilty to theft.
Yates withdrew cash from the victim’s bank account between September 5, 2012, and February 12, 2015, by using his bank card.
He was caught after a relative of the man contacted police on February 12 to say he feared the victim was being taken advantage of.
The victim suffers from a number of health-related issues. He had been friendly with Yates when he was his next-door neighbour before moving away.
Yates continued to see him on a regular basis. The police were told the pair watched television together and did the gardening.
Yates initially obtained the man’s bank card and PIN so he could do some shopping for him.
A few days before the theft was reported to police, a carer had taken the victim to the supermarket and the bank card was declined.
The carer thought it was strange and alerted the family member.
The victim and his relative went to the bank where it was discovered a large amount of cash withdrawals had been made over a two to three-year period. In total Yates stole £11,460
Following preliminary enquiries by police Yates was arrested in early March and bailed to allow a full investigation to be carried out.
After more evidence was gathered Yates returned to police and was re-interviewed where he admitted he had stolen money from the victim’s account over a sustained period.
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