Andrew Perks avoids jail after defrauding his sick uncle of over £35,000 for gambling and alcohol.
Perks appeared in court in Truro on February 27. He admitted to fraud by false representation. The 46-year-old committed the crimes against his uncle, with whom he lived between April and November 2022.
His uncle has Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. Perks emptied the uncle’s bank account and took out loans in his name. Perks also tried to open fourteen credit cards, spending all the money gambling and drinking, despite already having large debts.
The uncle let Perks stay with him and allowed Perks to access his bank account, but only to buy needed items. The uncle received a strange letter from a bank saying a loan had been paid off and, checking his statement, he noticed his balance was very low. He panicked and contacted his brother. The bank confirmed over £6,000 had disappeared from his account.
Perks acted strangely when asked about the missing money, avoiding giving a direct answer. Later, Perks confessed to his mother, saying he felt ashamed and very sorry.
An investigation showed Perks set up online banking. He applied for loans and credit cards in his uncle’s name, including a Very credit account, made three mobile phone contracts, and applied for fourteen credit cards.
Before Perks moved in, his uncle had two cards—a debit card and one credit card. Perks even tried to open a joint bank account, but the bank refused this request.
There were 77 transfers to Perks’ account, coming directly from his uncle’s account. He used it for credit cards, loans, and ATM withdrawals. The total fraud amounted to £35,302.98, with thousands spent on gambling.
His lawyer stated Perks admitted guilt quickly and gave a full confession in his police interview. The lawyer admitted it was a gross breach of trust, saying Perks took full responsibility. Perks was in a custody battle and not in the right state of mind, according to his lawyer. Perks wants to apologize sincerely for his actions. He spoke to his uncle and expressed deep shame, and the uncle has forgiven him.
Judge Simon Carr called the case “very worrying,” saying the uncle was a very sick, vulnerable man needing help with his finances and only had one or two accounts for simplicity.
The judge said Perks committed extensive fraud, emptying the bank account and opening many unknown accounts in the uncle’s name, of which the uncle had no knowledge or access.
Perks received a two-year suspended sentence and must repay the £9,200 loss. Perks claimed he had already repaid £6,000 and must pay the rest by July.