Thief stole thousands from teenager with Asperger syndrome

Matthew Shepherd plundered the savings account of the 17-year-old, who he treated 'despicably' to pay off his drug and gambling debts, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Shepherd, from Paddock, was in a long term relationship with the teenager's mother and knew about her child's savings and disability, said Mr David Iles, prosecuting.

The 35-year-old treated the teenager cruelly, taunting and swearing at him, Mr Iles said.

Shepherd, who owed £6,500 and was frantic to repay loan sharks, warned the teenager he would split up with the victim's mother if the money was not withdrawn.

The defendant took the youth to a Walsall building society branch 20 times during June and July last year taking out between £500 and £60-a-time .

There was only £10 of the £4,290 left in the account when the mother realised what was going on.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people.

People have difficulties with communication and interactions

Source: The National Autistic Society

Money had been put in the account by relatives for the teenager to use towards either university fees or the cost of a car.

Mr Iles concluded: "The victim was despicably manipulated. It was emotional blackmail."

The couple separated and on October 23 police arrested Shepherd who had also stolen a £100 drill from a couple he had been doing gardening work for.

Miss Wendy Miller, defending, said he had been addicted to heroin from the age of nine and added: "He went to loan sharks to try to generate cash flow, became involved in gambling and ended up in a mess. That is why he took the money from the teenager."

Shepherd, of Tantara Street, pleaded guilty to blackmail and theft and was jailed for 22 months by Recorder Stephen Thomas, who told him: "You played on his fears that the family would be broken up and his mother hurt.

"The money was spent on who knows what. It is difficult to think of a meaner or more callous offence on a vulnerable victim."

The teenager said: "This has left me so angry that I have been shouting into the mirror at myself.

"I cannot believed that he used the feelings of both my mother and myself as emotional blackmail. I would like to know what he used the money for. It was supposed to be for my future, either when going to university or learning to drive. I doubt I will ever get to do either now."

His mother added: "This has been a very stressful time for all of us. Matthew is very manipulative and believable. He saw my son as an easy target because of his disability. He used my son's love for me as a lever for blackmail."