A compulsive gambler who fleeced his mum’s bank account to the tune of £70,000 has avoided jail.

Andrew Hatcher, 34, of Holtye Crescent in Maidstone, appeared before magistrates charged with theft over the course of three months.

The court heard how the confessed gambling addict’s mother has since forgiven him.

Defending, Simon Holmes told magistrates: “He remains on good terms with his mother, if it were not for his admission he made at the police station, he would not be here now.”

Hatcher admitted the theft in front of magistrates.

Between May and August, the college lecturer withdrew £70,096 through a number of large transactions to fund his online gambling addiction.

Once the theft was discovered, Hatcher, a programme manager at Plumpton College in East Sussex was interviewed by police, where he admitted his crime.

His mother offered no victim impact statement and the court heard she and her son continue to live together.

Mr Holmes told magistrates his client was: “reaching out to counsellors”.

Hatcher told the court: “I wish I could turn back time, it was stupid. I’ve caused nothing but stress. I’m lucky it hasn’t affected my relationship with my mother.”

The agriculture lecturer added a prison sentence would “bring his world crashing down”.

Magistrates gave a Hatcher a 180-day prison sentence, suspended for two years.

As part of sentencing Hatcher, who has no previous convictions,was given a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement under which he must receive counselling, attend meetings to help him cope with his gambling problem and money management.

He was told: “Your previous good character has to come in at some point in your life, today is that day.

Hatcher, is repaying the funds via £400 a month order to the bank.

The payments mean it could take at least 14-and-a-half years until his debt is fully paid.

He must also pay £115 to his victim along with £85 to the court, which will be paid at a rate of £50 per month.