A lying independent financial adviser, asked to help a vulnerable pensioner with her finances, decided instead to rip her off.

And when devious David Bateman was caught out about his £50,000 scam, he told a series of lies.

He claimed the 80-year-old victim, who was suffering from severe arthritis, had blown the money by making generous gifts and taking luxury holidays.

But a judge at Canterbury Crown Court heard that truth was he had creamed off the £53,354 for himself.

Bateman, 69, of St Mary’s Road, Dymchurch, escaped going straight to prison after admitting the frauds – while still lying to a probation officer preparing a court report.

His barrister David Howe told Judge Rupert Lowe that he had now abandoned those claims and accepted he was the thief.

The judge told him: “Picking on someone with no near relatives is a common feature in these kind of cases!”

Mr Howe replied: “That was never his intention. He has since paid back the money.”
The judge retorted: “Yes, after being caught!”

Prosecutor Sarah Reid: “The victim is 80 and she lives in assisted accommodation and is afflicted with severe arthritis. Six years ago she asked Bateman to help with her financial affairs.”

"Picking on someone with no near relatives is a common feature in these kind of cases!" - Judge Rupert Lowe

Bateman was allowed to withdraw money from her account but on August 29, 2015, a Kent County Council official noted she had not paid her £1,200 care package – despite having more than £105,000 in an account in 2013.

Ms Read said that when it was checked the following year the victim’s savings had dropped to £29,000.

The court heard that Bateman accepted he had defrauded the family friend of £53,354 but when he was confronted about the missing money told a series of lies.

He claimed the victim had taken “very expensive holidays” and had also “gifted him” between £20,000 to £30,000.

Ms Reid said he had since repaid the money along with £1,747.23 in lost interest.

Mr Howe said Bateman had helped the victim with her financial affairs for a number of years as she didn’t have any near relatives.

Since his arrest he has not been able to work as a financial adviser and has paid for his own legal defence.

Judge Lowe gave Bateman a two-year jail sentence suspended for two years and ordered him to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work for the community.

He was also told to pay a £2,500 fine and £150 prosecution costs.

He told him: “You did assist this woman and no one can be sure at what point you decided to steal from her but that is what you did.

“Between May 2011 and October 2012 you stole £53,354 from a vulnerable lady in her 80s with no intention of ever paying her back or using it for her benefit. It was thoroughly shameful and the fact you can no longer work as an independent financial adviser is understandable!”