A cheating son, who turned to drink "with a vengeance", stole nearly £5,000 from his father's bank account.

Paul Burns, 34, went downhill fast when he lost his £40,000-a-year job and began to drink heavily.

He was reduced to living on £50 a week with most of it going on alcohol, said Richard Burrington, prosecuting, at Basildon Crown Court.

Burns, of Ryedene Place, Pitsea, found he could not manage and stole a cheque book belonging to his father, John.

He cashed cheques and was obtaining sums of up to £750 a time. He also used his father's credit card and then got another stolen credit card and car insurance documents.

Burns's barrister, Jonathan Ellis, said his client was now remorseful and had pledged to eventually pay back his father.

Mr Ellis added: "He was slipping into bad company and became desperate for money.

"He was on a downward spiral and finally had a nervous breakdown. It was then that he turned to drink with a vengeance."

The lawyer said that most of the money Burns stole from his father's account went on booze. The credit card, which belonged to another man, was given to Burns by a friend.

Mr Ellis added the once-prosperous Burns now survives on little money and lives in council accommodation.

Burns, who pleaded guilty to forgery and theft charges, was told by the judge, Mr Recorder David Goodin: "This was a really serious matter, to steal from your own father."

But the judge said he was prepared to give Burns the chance to make amends.

Burns received a two-year rehabilitation order (formerly probation) and must pay his father £1,000 compensation.

Published Tuesday, December 17, 2002

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