Crime

Ex-Soldier Sentenced to Four Years for Defrauding Elderly Father of Nearly £500,000

Published

8 months ago

April 9, 2024

David Bickel left his father deep in debt with just 48p to his name

A former soldier sentenced to four years in jail for defrauding his elderly father, Peter, out of nearly half a million pounds during his final years has shed light on the grim reality of financial exploitation and abuse against vulnerable individuals.

David Bickel, 58, hailing from Attleborough, Norfolk, cunningly obtained lasting power of attorney over his father after Peter was diagnosed with dementia in 2015. This legal authority allowed Bickel to carry out illicit actions such as withdrawing funds from his father’s bank accounts, liquidating investments, and even selling Peter’s house without his father’s informed consent.

The fraudulent activities netted Bickel a staggering sum of £480,201.13. Instead of ensuring his father’s well-being, Bickel failed to provide Peter with a personal allowance while he was moved to a residential care home.

The dire consequences of Bickel’s actions became apparent as Peter’s care fees remained unpaid, leading to mounting debts. Tragically, Peter passed away in 2021, leaving behind a paltry amount of just 48 pence in his name.

The impact of Bickel’s deceit extended beyond financial ruin. His 16 surviving relatives, including three grandchildren named in Peter’s will, were denied any significant inheritance due to the depleted estate.

The revelation of this financial misconduct surfaced when Peter’s care home nearly evicted him due to outstanding fees exceeding £85,000, underscoring the severity of Bickel’s exploitation.

Prosecutors noted that Bickel had no evident history of gambling, substance abuse, or reckless spending, leaving unanswered questions about how such a substantial amount was squandered.

During sentencing, the judge acknowledged Bickel’s commendable service to the country as a soldier but condemned his exploitation of his father’s vulnerable state.

EAST ANGLIA NEWS SERVICE, tel. 07767 413379 Former soldier David Bickel, 58, who was jailed for four years at Norwich Crown Court for stealing nearly ?500,000 from his father Peter, leaving him with just 48p EAST ANGLIA NEWS SERVICE, tel. 07767 413379 With pics A former soldier who stole almost ?500,000 from his dying father leaving him with just 48p and depriving his relatives of their inheritance has been jailed for four years. David Bickel, 58, took the money over six years from his father Peter who was battling dementia, and even pocketed the proceeds from selling his house. The father-of-three was able to carry out the thefts because he had control of his father?s finances after getting ?lasting power of attorney? over him. Norwich Crown Court heard how he took ?486,101.13 between his father?s diagnosis of Alzheimer's in 2015 until shortly before he died aged 84 in 2021. The fraud came to light in April 2021 when Mr Bickel senior was about to be evicted from his care home because of unpaid fees of more than ?85,000. Prosecutor Danielle O'Donovan said it was at this point that Bickel ?admitted he had sold his father's home and stolen all the money?. Mr Bickel senior had had just 48p left to his name by the time of his death, meaning 17 of his relations - including three grandchildren, nieces and nephews - missed out on inheritances that had been left to them in his will. Ms O?Donovan said the health of Nickel?s father had begun to decline in 2015 when he started ?putting rubbish into the fridge rather than the bin?. She said Bickel ?took advantage? of his father's ?ill health and forgetfulness — Prosecutors couldnt figure out how Bickel had spent so much money Picture East Anglia News Service

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding measures and legal protections for individuals facing cognitive impairments, ensuring their financial security and well-being are upheld and protected against exploitation and abuse.