Accountant jailed for £2.5m theft

David Atkinson

An accountant who stole more than £2.5m from friends, family members, the elderly, the sick and even a charity has been jailed for five years.

David Atkinson (born 5/4/50) of Walton Street, Heywood, admitted 15 offences of theft, totalling £1,185,625.

A further 58 offences, totalling £1,410,226, were taken into consideration.

He was today, Monday 15 March 2010, sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Bolton Crown Court.

Over a period of almost 10 years, Atkinson used his position as an accountant and financial advisor to betray, among others:

• The elderly, with a large number of victims counting on the funds for retirement, sheltered accommodation and pension income. 
• The sick, with some victims suffering from cancer. 
• A charity, where an individual invested money on behalf of a sports charity providing opportunities for young athletes. 
• A church. Atkinson stole funds (£206,525) from Spotland Methodist Church, money intended for church maintenance. 
• Hard working families who had invested with Atkinson. This included savings to cover university fees, savings for the future, etc.

Detective Sergeant Jason Burke, of Rochdale CID, said: "This is without a doubt the most gratuitous breach of trust I have ever encountered.

"Atkinson abused his position as an accountant, financial advisor and even more appallingly, a friend, to steal millions over almost a decade.

"Many of his victims have been left devastated at losing their hard earned cash.

"This case acts as a very real warning of the dangers of obsessive gambling.

"Had Atkinson sought help early on I am confident he would not have left behind such a trail of destruction that has impacted on so many lives."

In about 1998, Atkinson's friend told him of £20,000 he had saved in cash.

Atkinson saw this as an opportunity to cover gambling debts so fabricated a story in an attempt to get his friend's cash. He would later use this story on future victims (in excess of 100 in total).

Atkinson told his friend his cousin owned a chain of estate agents in the North East. Through his contacts they were able to get a list of properties that were due to be vacated by elderly residents (where a partner had died or they were going into care).

He then said that his cousin would offer cash for the property at a price below market value before renovating and either renting it out or selling it on at a profit.

Atkinson would tell those he scammed that they would get a monthly return on their money, and that by virtue of the fact his cousin had the deeds to the properties there was no risk to capital.

As he deceived more and more people, Atkinson became more confident and his lies grew and became increasingly believable, promising returns as high as 40% in some cases.

Atkinson would hand each investor a hand written or typed 'receipt', which included the words, "My unconditional personal guarantee."

In order to keep his elaborate scheme running, Atkinson would use some of the money invested to pay sums of cash to other investors.

It is estimated Atkinson gambled away about £1m. Officers traced £900,000 lost through internet gambling.