A cheating bank supervisor stricken with life-threatening tumours stole £94,000 from his employers and splashed out on exotic holidays and lavish furniture for his home.
As his health became worse Timothy Burchell, 28, took the cash from the Southend debt-collection offices of the Royal Bank of Scotland, Basildon Crown Court heard.
However, his exciting and luxurious lifestyle, including Caribbean holidays, came to a shuddering halt once bank investigators suspected the scam being operated by Burchell, of Regent Close, Rayleigh.
He pleaded guilty to ten counts of theft from his bosses. He was jailed for 12 months.
The judge, Mr Recorder Griffiths, told the defendant who hobbled into court with the aid of a walking stick: "What you did at the bank was greed. You simply took advantage of your position."
He added it was a sad case and noted the tumours in Burchell's brain and spine had caused him to lose sight in one eye and was affecting his speech and mobility.
But the judge pointed out that within months of Burchell being promoted he was stealing from the bank by transferring money into his own account.
Published Monday August 2, 2004
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