1:32pm Friday 12th March 2010
By Melanie Adams
A HAMSPHIRE builder is today behind bars after befriending a man with learning difficulties and stealing his life savings.
Labelled a greedy parasite by the judge at Portsmouth Crown Court, Robert McKenzie, 51, from Fareham, stole more than £150,000 from his vulnerable victim over a five-year period.
The father of one, a Falklands veteran, also pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming more than £37,000 of benefits from Fareham Borough Council.
McKenzie pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft, one count of obtaining money transfer by deception and four counts relating to dishonest benefits claims.
Judge Ian Pearson sentenced McKenzie to a total of four years and nine months imprisonment.
He said: "This is the grossest possible breach of trust which will have an incalculable effect on your victim.
"You are nothing but a greedy parasite, you bled your victim dry."
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisishampshire.net/trade_directory/