Woman Spends Husband's £286k Injury Payout on Gambling, Avoids Prison
Victoria Hampton, 44, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after stealing her husband's £286,000 injury settlement to fund her gambling habit. The fraudster, who now goes by Victoria Burke, created bank accounts in her husband's name and submitted fraudulent withdrawal documents to access the money.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The victim, a 40-year-old man, was awarded the substantial sum following a road traffic collision in 2013 that left him severely sight-impaired and with short-term memory issues. Initially, his finances were managed by a trust, but he was later deemed capable of handling his accounts with assistance.
From 2017, Hampton, his wife at the time, helped manage the money. However, she exploited this position by fraudulently setting up bank accounts in his name, diverting funds into her own accounts. Between 2016 and 2019, she took at least £286,000 from his trust fund.
How the Scam Was Uncovered
The scam came to light when her now ex-husband believed £300,000 of his awarded money had been placed into a new trust. He was informed by the trust fund that the request had not been fulfilled. Instead, the cash had been handed to Hampton, who submitted withdrawal documents falsely signed by the victim without his knowledge.
An investigation revealed that the transferred money was used primarily to fund Hampton's lifestyle, with a significant portion spent on gambling.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Hampton, of Queen’s Mary Road, New Rossington, Doncaster, was convicted of fraud by false representation and theft from the person of another. At Nottingham Crown Court on January 30, she received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Additionally, she was made subject to a one-year electronically monitored curfew between 7pm and 7am and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
Police Statement on the Case
Detective Constable Akil Kapasi, who led the investigation, stated: "The victim had trusted his partner of the time with his funds and he was very sadly taken advantage of for several years. Armed with undeniable evidence, the jury, however, were able to see through Hampton’s lies and expose her despicable actions."
He added: "I hope that this sends a clear message to those responsible for the financial affairs of others that, if you take advantage of that for your own benefit, Nottinghamshire Police will put you before the courts."
This case highlights the severe consequences of financial exploitation within personal relationships, particularly when vulnerable individuals are involved. The suspended sentence reflects the court's consideration of the circumstances, but the convictions underscore the seriousness of Hampton's actions.
