Gambling Addiction

Gambler in bid to steal cash

By Karon Kelly
A FORMER serviceman resorted to burglary after he gambled away the deposit for a new home with his partner.

Paul Williamson hoped to steal cash which he could use to place further bets in a bid to get the money back before his girlfriend found out.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 28-year-old was linked to the raid, at the Washington home of a man he knew.

Prosecutor Malinda Blackburn told the court: "He was arrested and described himself as a compulsive gambler.

"He told officers he had been receiving counselling for his gambling addiction and just before the offence took place he had gambled away money meant for rent for new premises he and his girlfriend were to move into.

The court heard Williamson served a prison sentence in 2007 for theft from his employer.

He was sentenced to nine months behind bars after stealing almost £30,000 from the Town Centre Citroen Garage in Sunderland.

Glen Gatland, defending, said thanks to intensive counselling Williamson has not gambled at all this year and is determined to combat his addiction for good.

Mr Gatland said Williamson's father, a bookmaker's manager, committed suicide because of his own gambling addiction.