Former Soldier's 'Mean' Theft From Vulnerable Mother Funds Lego Passion
A former soldier who stole more than £28,000 from his frail, elderly mother to fund his extensive Lego collection has walked from court with a suspended prison sentence. Martyn Walker, 55, was described by a judge as committing a 'particularly mean offence of theft' against his 83-year-old mother, Christine Hoggett, who suffers from dementia and resides in a care home.
Systematic Financial Exploitation
The court heard that Walker systematically drained two of his mother's Lloyds bank accounts between January 2023 and July 2024, taking a total of £28,070. Prosecutors revealed he had obtained her PIN while ostensibly helping her with banking, then proceeded to use the funds for various purposes, with significant amounts spent on expanding his Lego collection.
His mother had initially managed her own finances after moving into The Martins care home in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, in October 2022. However, as her dementia progressed, Walker assumed responsibility for her financial affairs, though he had not completed the formal power of attorney process.
Lego Purchases During Period of Theft
Evidence presented to Norwich Crown Court showed Walker's Facebook page featured posts about his Lego hobby during the exact period he was stealing from his mother. One entry from October 2023 showed an £11.99 Halloween Cat and Mouse set aimed at children aged '9+', with Walker commenting: 'Nice little set brought this morning... Liked it so much I got 2. Only took me 25 min to build but really good to have there on display.'
While the exact amount spent on Lego wasn't specified in court, prosecutors confirmed he had 'spent a lot of money on Lego' using the stolen funds. His social media showed extensive collections dating back over a decade, including elaborate town scenes with buildings, vehicles, and railway lines.
Discovery and Admission
The thefts came to light when care home managers contacted Walker in May 2024 about outstanding fees. He initially claimed to be struggling financially, but later admitted in an email that he had 'taken advantage' of his mother and spent her money. This confession led to police involvement.
At the time of the offences, Walker was £24,000 in debt, though his wife was reportedly unaware of his financial situation. Both he and his wife were employed and living with their two adult children in Gorleston, Norfolk.
Sentencing and Consequences
Despite prosecutors arguing for a custodial sentence starting at two years due to the 'high breach of trust' and targeting of a vulnerable victim, Judge David Pugh showed mercy. Walker received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with 180 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
The judge acknowledged the offence fell within the high culpability category but considered Walker's personal circumstances, including his diabetes and effects from a previous stroke. Walker, who attended court in a motorised wheelchair, had told the judge: 'I made a mistake your honour. I understand the implications... I took advantage and must pay for what I did.'
Future Proceeds of Crime Hearing
Walker now faces a Proceeds of Crime hearing where much of his ill-gotten Lego collection could be confiscated to help repay the stolen funds. The care home, which went unpaid during the period of theft, was also acknowledged as being affected by Walker's actions.
The former soldier served with 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment from 1988 to 1993 after earlier service with 202 Battalion Royal Artillery. He represented himself at the sentencing hearing, which was moved to Norwich Magistrates Court for better wheelchair access.
Norfolk Police confirmed they were unable to provide further details about the specific Lego purchases made with stolen funds. Lego, the Danish toy manufacturer founded in 1949, remains the world's largest toy company by sales, producing up to 60 billion new bricks annually.
