Son Defrauded Mother Stealing Money and Running up Debt in Her Name

Daniel Greenaway defrauded his own mother. He took her money and opened accounts illicitly. He admitted to stealing £5,000 to £6,000. The crimes occurred over almost three years.

Greenaway appeared in Truro Crown Court. The court sentenced him on February 11. He pleaded guilty to fraud and also admitted to making a false instrument.

Tom Faulkner described the case in court, explaining that Greenaway cared for his mother, who has learning disabilities and epilepsy since her partner died. He took money from her accounts between 2019 and 2022.

Greenaway opened bank accounts in her name and took out a QuickQuid loan. He also set up a phone contract and a Capital One card. She had no knowledge of any of this. Debt collectors sent letters that Greenaway intercepted.

He falsified bank statements to give to his mother, saying it stopped her from worrying. Her new partner became suspicious in 2022, thinking Greenaway was acting oddly and tried to keep him from her.

Her partner took her to a Halifax bank and she learned her balance was much lower. More hidden debts surfaced, about which she had “absolutely no knowledge.”

Greenaway had a prior fraud caution from 2016, where his mother was also the victim. She did not want him in trouble at that time.

Greenaway confessed fully and immediately. His defense said he was 23 when he started and is now in very different life circumstances.

Greenaway claimed he initially helped his mom genuinely. Then he said he was tempted to take her money and tried to cover up his actions.

Judge Robert Linford sentenced Greenaway, calling his acts “profoundly dishonest behaviour” against his own mother, who deserved love and respect. Linford called it a “savage abuse of trust” and stated Greenaway will inherit the debts.

Linford considered jail at first, emphasizing the previous fraud caution. However, probation believed they could help and wanted to prevent future offences.

Linford suspended the sentence, noting that Greenaway is not a general risk to the public and supports others. He also considered that the case took three years to reach court.

Linford sentenced Greenaway to 14 months, suspended for two years. He must complete a 12-month community order, and 12 rehabilitation activity days are mandated.