Serial fraudster jailed for scamming latest victim

Serial fraudster Charles Herbert Vickery offered to look after the affairs of a senior citizen he knew who was admitted to hospital, but within days, almost cleaned out the old man's bank account.

What the complainant didn't know when he took up the offer of help was that Vickery, 54, has had 322 previous convictions running some 17 pages mostly relating to dishonesty-type offences dating back to 1976.

The victim, who lent his bank debit card and PIN number to Vickery, was shocked to learn that he was left with only $33.71 out of $2957 in his account while he lay in hospital.

He did not wish to comment outside court but said through a court official that he wanted Vickery's case highlighted so that others would be spared the ordeal he went through.

Judge Greg Davis this week rejected a plea for home detention and sentenced Vickery in the Whangarei District Court to 11 months in prison on six charges of using a document for pecuniary advantage.

He and the complainant lived at the Springs' Flat Caravan Park in Kamo at the time of the offending just over a year ago.

Judge Davis said that in December 2012, Vickery visited the complainant who was admitted to the Whangarei Hospital and offered to look after his affairs while he was away.

The complainant gave him the authority to use his account to pay bills that became due.

On December 10, Vickery withdrew $500, $600 and $800 on separate occasions from an ATM in Whangarei.

The next day, he used $104 on two separate occasions at the Waipu Hotel and also withdrew $600 from an ATM in Auckland.

Three days later, he withdrew $320 from another ATM in Whangarei.

Vickery told police he used some of the money to buy the complainant a toothbrush, razors and a small radio.

He submitted reference letters to court and his lawyer Aaron Dooney asked the court for a merciful approach to sentencing.

Judge Davis said the latest offending was consistent with Vickery's past behaviour and his extensive previous convictions.

No reparation was ordered because he has no means to pay.