By Tony O’Riley-
A former gambling addict has escaped jail, after being prosecuted for the theft of £70k that landed in his bank account accidentally.
The career criminal who has 9 convictions, was sentenced to 24 weeks suspended for 12 months with a three month curfew, after admitting the theft of the money.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
His barrister, Tony Cornberg, a respected barrister from Trinity Chambers, argued strongly for Harling, ensuring he achieved the more lenient sentence than a custodial one which the prosecution were pushing for.
He told the court: ”Harling is remorseful and “heartbroken” at the effect it has had on the finance manager, adding that “The money landed in his account and temptation got the better of him.
Andrew Harling was over the moon, after he found £70,000 was accidentally deposited into his Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) account.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
A court heard how he spent the cash, and tried to hide the money in different accounts. His partner spent lavishly on jewellery and holidays with cash he had transferred.
The big cash had been sent by a company due to a clerical error in which one number of a sort code was entered incorrectly. Harling had already blown half of the money by the time his account was frozen. The company were willing not to prosecute him, but were forced to go to the police when he refused to voluntarily had over the cash.
Outstanding barrister Cornberg kept his client out of jail Image: Trinitychambers.com
The mechanical engineering company based in Surrey sent £70,930 to Harling in January, instead of another company which was the intended recipient.
On the same day, he moved £35,000 to his then-partner’s account and she transferred £9,000 back to him.
Associates of Harley from Newcastle, anonymously told this publication ”he was living the life at the time. He and his wife were the life and soul of every socal gathering. People heard he had made a big hit in the casinos, nobody knew the full story”.
Thomas Parsons-Munn, prosecuting, said: “A number of substantial purchases were made by her, including jewellery and a holiday.”
In November 2019 a further £8,089 was frozen by his bank and returned to the company.
In total, £33,220 was returned by his bank and £37,710 remains outstanding.
The court heard the trusted and respected finance manager at the firm, who made the one digit error, was so devastated, she insisted on quitting despite her boss pleading with her not to. She has been left “extremely depressed” by what happened.
Harling, who has nine previous convictions, pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to 24 weeks suspended for 12 months with a three month curfew.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar