Kidderminster clergyman stole £61k from sick pal
A clergyman who stole more than £61,000 from a sick friend has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.
Deacon the Rev Peter Hesketh took the money from the late Peter Court, the former landlord of the Woodman pub in Ribbesford, Bewdley.
The theft happened while Hesketh, aged 65, was trusted to act as power of attorney for Mr Court because the former publican was ill.
Hesketh, from Shrewsbury Road, Kidderminster, had denied the offence but was found guilty in a unanimous verdict from the jury at Worcester Crown Court after an eight-day trial.
Sentencing him, Judge Toby Hooper QC said Hesketh had been held in 'high regard' by his victim and people locally but had betrayed that trust.
Mr Court was befriended by Hesketh at the Woodman pub. When Hesketh was given power of attorney he siphoned off money into his own accounts.
Police were called after Mr Court died in May 2007.
