Sutton man in ‘drunken stupor’ went on a spending spree with stolen bank cards
A Sutton man was in a “drunken stupor” when he went on a spending spree with bank cards that were stolen in a burglary, a court has heard.
Angus Mason used a NatWest card, a Capital One card, and an Aqua card in the names of two women, at stores in Sutton on February 16 last year.
Lucy Woodcock, prosecuting, said the cards had been stolen in a domestic burglary the night before.
Mason, aged 42, has 42 previous convictions for dishonesty offences, she said, and asked for compensation to the banks as the victims have already been reimbursed.
Mason’s defence solicitor said Mason initially denied everything before entering guilty pleas on the day of a trial.
"He pleaded guilty and so he should have,” he said. “His defence was rubbish. Quite properly he went to the probation service. He accepted his involvement.
"He should have looked at the card properly. His friend gave it to him. He had nothing to do with the burglary. I would say in all the circumstances the community order requested is fair. He does need help.
"He hasn’t committed any further offences since,” he said. “His alcohol intake hasn't reduced. That is his problem.”
Mason, now of Chaucer Crescent, Sutton, admitted three counts of fraud by false representation, and one of handling stolen goods, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on September 26.
He received a 12-month community order with 25 rehabilitation days and a six-month alcohol treatment programme.
He was ordered to pay £35.02 compensation, which will be added to the £4,676 he already owes the court.