Home / Crime and Justice / Gambler Steals £25K From Elderly Man
Gambler Steals £25K From Elderly Man
25 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Man stole over £25,000 to settle gambling debts.
- He gained access using stolen keys to the home and safes.
- The offender received a suspended prison sentence and unpaid work.
Mark Tems, a 63-year-old man, has received a suspended prison sentence for stealing over £25,000 from an elderly man to cover his gambling debts. Tems committed the burglary at the victim's Ollerton home in Nottinghamshire between August 2023 and January 2024. He possessed keys to the property and two safes, which he used to access and steal a significant sum of cash.
The victim, in his mid-80s, discovered the money was missing at the beginning of last year. Tems admitted to the theft after being confronted by the victim. He was arrested in May and subsequently charged with burglary. The court sentenced Tems to 20 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Tems must complete 150 hours of unpaid work. Police described the crime as a "betrayal of trust," highlighting Tems' exploitation of his knowledge of the victim and his access to keys. The offense is considered serious, and authorities expressed satisfaction with the sentencing.
