Man jailed after stealing more than £100,000 from his mum

A man who stole more than £100,000 from his own mother has been jailed.

Stephen Baker appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 5 November where he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. 

The 49-year-old of Fishpool Road, Delamere, had earlier been found guilty of theft from a person.

During the trial the court heard how Baker’s offending began in 2016 when he moved in with his mum to help look after her following the death of his father.

After returning to the family home, Baker was added as a signatory to his mother’s bank account's so he could manage her finances.

However, rather than use to money to pay for essential items, such as utility bills and his mum's care package, Baker went on a spending spree purchasing luxury items such as days out, meals, musical instruments, fishing gear and even tickets for pop concerts.

He also transferred funds to his own account and withdrew cash for personal use – leaving his mother in thousands of pounds worth of debt. 

Officers believe that Baker stole more than £117,000 from his mum between 2016 and 2019.

Thankfully, Baker’s offending eventually came to light in September 2019 when his mum's carers contacted Cheshire Police to raise concerns.

An investigation was launched and Baker’s access to his mum’s accounts was restricted.

Following a thorough investigation he was subsequently charged with theft from a person.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Rob Mackay, who led the investigation said: “I welcome the sentence handed to Baker which reflects the severity of his offences.

“His mum trusted him and when he returned to the family home she truly believed that he was doing so to care for her. 

“Instead, Baker totally abused her trust and left her with thousands of pounds worth of debt.”