A MAN who stole an 86-year-old pensioner’s life savings after befriending him while he was in hospital has been locked up for four years.
Shaun Hamshaw, aged 41, from Upper Rye Close, Whiston, Rotherham, plundered the man’s bank accounts withdrawing hundreds of pounds a week.
He first met the victim, who lives in Thrybergh, Rotherham, in 2009 when he spent a short time in hospital.
The court was told that Hamshaw befriended the OAP and visited him on a regular basis, becoming a trusted friend.
The court heard over the next 18 months to two years Hamshaw, who had managed to gain access to the elderly man’s bank accounts, withdrew £25,940.
He fleeced the money from the pensioner’s savings and current accounts – taking amounts of between £300 and £900 a week.
Hamshaw carried on pilerfing the cash until the elderly man’s account was totally empty.
The victim eventually realised what was happening and contacted his bank, before going to the police.
Hamshaw was arrested in November 2011 and charged with theft.
He was found guilty of the offence.
DC Scott Walker, from South Yorkshire Police, who led the investigation, said: “Hamshaw was a part of the elderly man’s life and was in a position of trust, but on seeing the amount of money held in his account, he decided to breach this trust.
“Hamshaw helped himself to the elderly man’s money, presuming he wouldn’t notice.
“However, he underestimated him.
“The victim found out what was going on and was also willing to give evidence against him in court.”
Hamshaw was jailed by a judge for four years.
Afterwards, DC Walker said: “Hamshaw now has time to reflect on his actions in prison.”
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