A Milford Haven man who took £25,000 from his elderly mother to fund his gambling habit is due to be sentenced today (Friday) Richard Keith Lightfoot of Fettle Court, Victoria Road, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates earlier this month to face two fraud charges and one of theft.

The 53-year-old pleaded guilty to taking money from the bank account of 84-year-old Rosina Lightfoot and ordering items from her catalogue account without her consent. He also admitted stealing his mother’s jewellery.

Prosecutor Lesley Harbon said Lightfoot was living with his mother as her carer at the time and was receiving a carer’s allowance.

Mrs Lightfoot suspected her son when she found her monthly bank statements had been opened, and when parcels arrived at the house despite her not ordering anything. Lightfoot told her he was looking after parcels for a neighbour.

Mike Kelleher, mitigating, said Lightfoot had not been able to see his mum as part of his bail conditions. “This case is something of a tragedy,” he said.

“Mr Lightfoot had a very severe gambling problem and admits it got the better of him. But one good thing to come out of this is that he no longer gambles, as he doesn’t have the means to do it.”

In a statement Mrs Lightfoot said: “Richard cannot be allowed to get away with this, although I certainly don’t want him to go to prison.”

Lightfoot is due to be sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on March 27. He was granted conditional bail.