A man has been given a two-year prison sentence for stealing £47,663 from his mother’s estate which she had pledged in a legacy to the NSPCC, the RSPCA and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
 
Stephen Watkins wrongly withdrew money from his mother, Patricia Watkins', estate from 2007 to 2012 when he had power of attorney over her money while she was in a care home suffering from dementia.

The crime only came to light after his mother’s death.

In court Watkins claimed only a portion of the money was used for his own use, telling Cardiff Crown Court he began using the money after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and he gave up employment to become her carer.
 
Before her death Patricia Watkins had made a will stating specific items of value for individuals and asking for the balance of her estate to be distributed between the NSPCC, the RSPCA and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Leslie Watkins, the brother of Stephen Watkins and son of Patricia Watkins, told the South Wales Argus that he believed his sibling’s sentence was too lenient. He added he believed there was only around £3,500 left of her money which would be donated to charity.

Stephen Watkins was given a two-year prison sentence, half of which will be served in custody and the other half in the community.