Mean Hartlepool son jailed after repeatedly stealing from 'soft touch' dad

Nathan McKenzie-Owens’ crimes included burgling his dad’s address while he was asleep, intercepting and using his new bank card, and stealing and cashing in his laptop computer and mobile phone.

Teesside Crown Court heard that the 39-year-old had taken things from his retired father in the past but had he had forgiven him.

But McKenzie-Owens is now starting a prison sentence after his dad’s patience finally ran out.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said the victim’s laptop computer went missing after McKenzie-Owens used it in November of last year.

He later found out that his son had sold it for £50 to Cash Generators in Hartlepool.

Then in June this year the victim rang the bank to find out why his new card had not arrived.

Mr Dryden said: “It transpired the card had been used to obtain about £950 from [his father’s] bank account.

"There were approximately 12 to 15 transactions.”

In a text message McKenzie-Owens appeared to admit the offences saying: “If you never speak to me again all I want to say is thank you for all you’ve done helping me and I’m sorry for what I did.”

But in October he took and cashed in his father’s mobile phone at CEX in Hartlepool for £60.

And after visiting his dad’s home he later returned without permission and stole from his again.

"The next day [the victim] realised items had been stolen from his property.”

It included his bus pass £195 which was never recovered. When police arrested McKenzie-Owens they found the bank card and bus pass in a DVD case.

McKenzie-Owens, of Church Street, Hartlepool, admitted offences of theft, fraud by false representation and burglary with intent to steal.

His lawyer Ismael Uddin said McKenzie-Owens had lived a fairly crime free life previously due to not misusing substances and holding down a job until a family tragedy two years ago and the loss of his job.

Mr Uddin said: “He’s succumbed to the temptation once again.”

He said McKenzie-Owens had shown remorse.

Jailing him for 18 months, Judge Stephen Ashurst said: “The offences as I think you appreciate are exceptionally mean.

"You know that your father is in a vulnerable position and was something of a soft touch.”

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