A WOMAN had money stolen by a trusted friend and ex partner when he withdrew cash for himself out her bank account.

Robert Blandford, 46, admitted stealing the cash on December 8 at the Post Office, Townhead Street in Stevenston – before taking more on December 13.

Blandford, of Tiree Court, Dreghorn, had his sentence deferred to show good behaviour when he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week [Thursday, January 13].

The Procurator Fiscal told how the complainer and the accused were friends and had been in an on/off relationship.

He said: “The witness asked him to go to the bank and collect money with the bank card and pin number – she had done on numerous times without any issues. She asked him to collect £300. She [on Monday December 13] asked to collect a further £100.

“When the complainer believed she should have more money the accused made excuses and left - she contacted the post office and was informed on December 8 when she asked him to get £300, £550 had been taken, and on December 13 when asked accused to collect £100, £200 was taken.”

Sheriff Sheena Fraser agreed to defer sentence for six months to show good behaviour, and to give Blandford an opportunity to repay his friend.