Serial criminals stole from vulnerable man after his parents won big on the National Lottery

Shaun Cram, 37, and Dean Kelly, 30, took the man's bank card, pin number and passport so they could help themselves to his money after they found out his mum and dad had won half-a-million-pounds.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim "was not a wealthy man himself" and had a monthly income of £295 in Universal Credit.

Prosecutor Andrew Espley told the court between March and April this year, the pair took a total of £500 in cash from the victim and used his card to buy £84 worth of petrol.

Mr Espley said: "Both men are heavily convicted of a variety of offences.

"The victim got to know these two defendants over the period we are concerned with, March and April this year.

"His parents had won half-a-million-pounds on the national lottery. He believed the defendants knew about that.

"He became a regular visitor to addresses inhabited by these defendants."

Mr Espley said the pair "drained" the victim's cash until he started using a different account to stop them "taking all of his money".

In a statement, the man said his life has been "turned upside down" by the pair and he has now moved out of his family home.

Mr Espley said: "He doesn't go to shops, socialise or visit anyone due to what would happen if he saw those connected to the defendants."

He added: "He doesn't have the confidence to do very much, wishes he never met them. They have ruined his life and taken all of his confidence and faith in people away.

"He can't see a time in future where he will be the same person again."

Cram, of Finchale Road, Hebburn, who has 62 previous convictions and was on a suspended sentence, and Kelly, of Hatfield Avenue, Hebburn, who has 45 previous convictions and had just got out of prison, both admitted theft.

Judge Amanda Rippon sentenced each man to 12 months behind bars, which means they will be released almost immediately due to the time they have spent on remand.

The judge said the victim was "vulnerable already" and told the men: "You knew his parents had won a lot of money on the national lottery, which made him a target.

"The intimidatory aspect of your offending against him means your past violent offences are relevant and aggravate the situation."

Judge Rippon issued restraining orders to keep both of the men away from the victim in future.

Jamie Adams, defending, said Cram welcomed intervention from the authorities to help him stay away from trouble in future.

Jane Foley, defending Kelly, said: "He would welcome some assistance and some support."