A son has been sentenced to two years in prison for stealing £50,000 from his vulnerable father over a three-year period. Stephan Dewar, 31, admitted to perpetrating a large-scale fraud by posing as his father to access his bank account and fund personal indulgences.
According to court documents, Dewar set up online banking in his father's name without his knowledge and made phone calls to the bank impersonating him. His father, Andrew Dewar, 67, who had suffered a stroke in 2007, did not use the internet or online banking and relied on a substantial pension. He had initially agreed to lend his son £5,000 for a pub purchase, providing his bank details in the belief the money would be repaid.
An investigation was launched after Dewar's uncle, who held power of attorney for Andrew Dewar, noticed significant discrepancies in the account. The court heard that Stephan Dewar made regular withdrawals from his father's account, totaling £50,000, between May 4, 2019, and April 26, 2022. These transactions were often followed by large ATM withdrawals.
During the investigation, spending patterns revealed frequent transactions at Harlequins Bar in Dundee, some gambling activity with William Hill, and 18 payments to the online platform OnlyFans ranging from £3 to £15. Other expenditures included payments to M&S, Sainsbury's, Pout Dundee, the Trades Bar, and Greggs Bakery.
Sheriff George Way described Dewar's actions as "despicable" and a "breach of a profound obligation to protect and look after your father." The sheriff noted that the money was "frittered most of this money away in indulging yourself in drink, entertainment, and a lifestyle you couldn’t afford." He added that such breaches of trust require punishment to send a message of deterrence and denunciation, also noting Dewar's failure to appear for court proceedings.
Dewar's defense solicitor stated that his client recognized the seriousness of the offense and experienced shame, embarrassment, and fear. He explained that Dewar had failed to attend court on several occasions by "burying his head in the sand" and continuing his normal work routine.
Stephan Dewar was jailed for a total of 24 months after pleading guilty to forming a fraudulent scheme. He also admitted to failing to appear in court.