A businessman who stole more than £80,000 in a “cruel and calculating” raid on his parents’ life savings has been jailed for eight months.
Giuseppe Masella, 48, took control of his mother Anna’s bank account after she died in March 2015. Within three weeks he had siphoned off £48,000.
In 2017, he set up an account in his father Antonio’s name to steal a further £33,000, Isleworth crown court heard.
When Antonio checked his late wife’s account to split it between his three sons, he found only £10 was left.
Masella denied charges of fraud and money laundering, but was found guilty.
Recorder Joseph Boothby: “You did this in a cruel and calculating way, taking advantage of your father’s trust and lack of understanding of English.”
Masella, of Hammersmith, may now face proceeds of crime hearings.
