Husband jailed after stealing wife's savings

A husband who squandered almost £17,000 of his wife's life savings on booze and gambling has been jailed for 18 months.

Kulwant Singh Nargra (46) dishonestly forged his wife's signature on a bank form, giving him access to her private account.

Leicester Crown Court was told between November 10, 2010, and February 25 this year he withdrew cash sums on seven occasions.

Nargra, of Peebles Way, Rushey Mead, pleaded guilty to fraud, involving the loss of £16,930.

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Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said the victim saved in excess of £17,000 over many years and kept her bank book in a drawer in her bedroom.

"It was solely her account," he said.

Unbeknown to her, Nargra forged her signature on a third party authorisation form which Lloyds TSB accepted as genuine.

It allowed him to withdraw money from her account, without her knowledge.

Mr Murphy said: "She later realised to her horror the money was missing and saw a balance of about £700.

"She challenged her husband and son who said nothing."

Her husband then confessed and there was no suggestion her son was involved.

When arrested Nargra, who has previous convictions for deception, said he lost his job in September 2010 and did not tell his family.

Mr Murphy said: "He said he spent the money on gambling and alcohol."

Linda Jerman, mitigating, said he regretted his actions.

She said that once the court proceedings were over the couple may discuss the possibility of a reconciliation.