£25k internet gambling debts led Jack Keylock, 22, to steal
GAMBLING on the internet lead a 22-year-old Cheltenham to turn to crime to pay his debts.
Jack Keylock had a good job earning up to £25,000 a year.
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Jack Keylock
But after getting embroiled in gambling online, he broke into a bed and breakfast hotel – and two homes.
Keylock, of Pittville Circus Road, Cheltenham, was jailed for 18 months at Gloucester Crown Court last week.
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He pleaded guilty to burgling the Kingsmuir Hotel, Pittville Circus, between October 19 and 23 last year, a flat in Tower House, Pittville Circus, on November, 2 and Mr Williams' home in Apsley Lodge, Pittville Circus, on November 8.
Jailing him, Judge Jamie Tabor QC said: "I suspect there is some truth in the fact that you got yourself into debt by gambling – gambling which is all too easy to embark upon these days, probably because of the amount of advertising on TV and the amount of internet gambling available to anyone unwise enough to make use of it. The bookies always win."
Julian Kesner, prosecuting, said Keylock broke into the hotel when it was unoccupied and stole a set of keys.
On November 2, Daniel Callaghan was asleep at home in Tower House when Keylock broke in. He took Mr Callaghan's car keys and searched through his car before returning to the flat.
He then went into Mr Callaghan's bedroom, which woke him up.
Keylock jumped from the bedroom window, a drop of about 15 feet, and fled. Mr Callaghan discovered his mobile phone, a laptop and a wallet and cash were missing.
On November 8, said Mr Kesner, Bryn Williams was asleep when he was woken by his dog barking. He found the front door open and realised an 1850 French carriage clock was missing from the mantelpiece.
A 9 carat gold watch engraved 'Bryn 14/1/63' was gone from the sitting room as well as some medals. Also stolen were a £5,000 Cartier tank watch, another £1,500 watch and two 18 carat gold Boucherer watches, one of which was worth £2,000.
Mr Kesner said it was because Keylock sold a Boucherer watch to a jeweller and was paid by cheque in his own name that he was caught.
Joe Maloney, defending, said Keylock had been gambling and committed the offences because he was in debt.
"His family has been disgusted by his behaviour," added Mr Maloney.
4 Comments
by bob29
Wednesday, May 08 2013, 6:36PM
“Sorry I didn't mean my words to be upsetting. It was Simply a play on words. I hope your right. I hope he does come out quickly and prove he is the person you say he is. Be reformed and make it up to the people he has hurt, and do something decent with his life.
Statistics of re offending are huge. However, I agree he doesn't seem like the usual scum that steal and ruin peoples lives on a regular basis.In my opinion anyone can make a mistake, however if you did - you would just make it once. not go out and steal more from multiple people,and I would think a decent person would hand them self in after realising their mistake? Or give the possessions back? Not cash in, and wait until you get caught/ if you ever do? - How many more times would this of happened if he didn't get caught?
Not that decent in my opinion.
For example, How would you feel if it was your elderly grandparents who were one of these victims robbed and scared living in their homes they have worked their whole lives for... would you say - ahh he is a really nice guy though? -
Hence my comments.
If he had stole from a bank or a drug dealer instead of medal holding innocent members of society- I would probably have a different view. I just think this is low.
All this said - only time will tell - and again - I hope he turns out to be the person you describe, rather than the one he has be sentenced for. And again - Sorry if this upsets you - it is just an opinion. I genuinely hope he comes soon and proves to all the people like you that care for him, he isn't the same person and that this was just one big mistake.”
by JDaniels
Wednesday, May 08 2013, 5:04AM
“by bob29 I know this guy. He's a kind, clever person who has made some serious mistakes and is now paying for them. For you to say 'lock him up and throw away the key' is actually quite upsetting. He's exactly the kind of person who deserves a second chance. He should be ashamed and I'm certain he is - I was genuinely shocked when I heard what he'd done. But if there's one person who can come out of prison reformed and be a decent member of society, putting wrongs right, it's him.”
by bob29
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 6:45PM
“Lets be honest... Lots of people gamble... Lots of people are in debt... but no everyone goes out robbing people. This is simply an excuse. But there is no excuse for being a thief. And especially one who goes stealing medals which have been earned by Hero's. Shame on you mate. The family should not be ashamed, He should, and whilst inside he should have a think about how he can make it up to these people, and any others that may of been victims. "lock" him up... and throw away the "key"”
by Grahambarker
Tuesday, January 29 2013, 3:21PM
“People only get into debt by spending more than they earn - whether through Gambling, Excess or Circumstance.
Gambling is not an excuse - its just another wasteful habit.”