War veteran robbed of life savings by thief he took pity on

A THIEF who was given a second chance by a World War Two hero repaid his kindness by stealing his savings, a court has heard.

Ex-rifleman Ken Dawson wearing his campaign medals Cavendish

Ex-rifleman Ken Dawson was 17 when he joined the First Battalion

Kind hearted Ken Dawson, 89, gave jobless Paul Youngs a second chance after he was caught pinching £130 from the till at a social club where they both served on the committee.

Frail former Rifleman Ken took Youngs, 53, under his wing and lent him £3,000 for a car as well as paying for his meals. In return he asked for help with his weekly shop as he had difficulty walking.

But Youngs repaid Mr Dawson’s kindness by secretly using the old man’s bank card to withdraw £150 every week over a four month period for himself which he spent on household items including pet food for his dog.

By the time the thefts were discovered, Ken had lost up to £1,800 from his savings account. Youngs has now been jailed for 12 weeks by Burnley magistrates (heard earlier this week).

Great grandfather Ken, from Burnley, said last night:” I just thought everyone deserves a second chance and unfortunately I’ve found out the hard way that a leopard never changes its spots.

“I had put all my trust in him and I thought he was my friend - yet he betrayed me in a most dastardly way. The army makes you learn trust and respect but unfortunately I put trust in this man like I would have done one of my old comrades.

“Sadly I’ve paid the price. I am just pleased that he got sent down - it serves him right. “

Ken was only 17 when he joined the First Battalion Cameronians Scottish Rifles and had served in India, Burma and Singapore winning five campaign medals. He has led the Remembrance Day parade in Burnley each year.

What you did involved a breach of trust to an extremely high degree. We want to punish you and protect the public

Stephen Riley

The court was told the pair had met nine years ago at Rosegrove Unity Working Men’s Club where Mr Dawson had been a committee member for 30 years.

Youngs became a caller at club bingo nights until he was caught stealing subscription money earlier this year after he was made redundant. Police were called in and Youngs was let off with a caution but Ken took pity on him.

Retired welder Ken added :” Paul had been barred from the club but I wanted to stick up for him because it seems like the right the thing to do. Everyone makes mistakes and I even tried to get him back into the club.

“ I would give him my card to get out cash for me to cover the week. I told him to get £150 but he was getting double, £150 for me and £150 for him.

“It is a lot of money and my life savings and pensions I had worked hard for. I feel like I’ve been taken for granted.”

Youngs, of Burnley, Youngs admitted theft between March 29 and August 22 but claimed he only stole £1,200.

His lawyer Keith Rennison said : “He would like to apologise unreservedly to Mr Dawson. He is extremely sorry and extremely ashamed of himself.”

Magistrates’ chairman Stephen Riley told Youngs: “ What you did involved a breach of trust to an extremely high degree. We want to punish you and protect the public.”

Club secretary Clifford Heaton said. “We all feel very disgusted at what Paul did to Ken especially as Ken trusted him so much.

“ Ken is a very proud man and this has upset him. Paul used to be a good lad but these days people do not have a kind word to say about him.” 

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