A bank manager used his position to steal more than £90,000 from an elderly man.

Gambling addict Matthew Hayhurst, who worked for Lloyds TSB in Accrington, was jailed for 18 months for targeting the pensioner’s bank accounts over a 16-month period.

Dad-of-one Hayhurst, 27, of Cotman Close, Britannia, took the money to bet on sport, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Hayhurst, who was described as a successful man from a hard working family, would switch the money to a friend’s account so he could keep his gambling affairs secret from loved ones.

A large contingent of friends and family were in court for the hearing. Some sobbed as he was sentenced.

Recorder Roderick Garus QC told Hayhurst he only avoided a longer sentence because of his co-operation and early guilty plea.

Hayhurst had worked at Lloyds TSB in Accrington since 2006. He had quickly risen up the ranks and become senior personnel bank manager.

But as his gambling addiction spiralled out of control, he withdrew money on 25 separate occasions from the pensioner’s account between June 2010 and October 2011, the court heard.

In total he took £91, 210 to bet on football, cricket and darts.

Prosecuting Mr David Macro said Hayhurst later repaid £25,000 into the victim’s account following a gambling win.

He said: "He ended up chasing his losses. He used his friend’s account to place bets.

"From that, he was able to cover up his gambling activities to his close family and friends."

When Hayhurst was caught in October last year he initially denied involvement. But he soon came clean admitting he was a compulsive gambler, the court heard.

Hayhurst pleaded guilty to theft and fraud at Blackburn Magistrates on March 28.

Defending Mr Simon Gurney described Hayhurst, who had no previous convictions, as a kind and compassionate young man from an honest and hard working family.

He said: "It was never Hayhurst’s intention to defraud the victim.

"He was not motivated by financial gain – it was the thrill of the gambling. It spiralled out of control.

He added: "This is a young man who has made a terrible mistake for which he will be punished severely.

"He’s deeply remorseful for the effect it has had on the complainant and family and close friends.

"He has a five-month old son and a long term partner. They are the ones who bear the brunt of his offending."

The Recorder said Mr Hayhurst could have benefited from strong support from family and friends – but chose not to.

He said: "You are obviously a charming and intelligent person and you have the support of a good family and good friends, evident by the number in the courtroom today.

"But despite the good reputation you have previously enjoyed, you were in fact living a secret life and a secret criminal life.

"You were driven to do what you did because you are addicted to gambling.

"An addiction which a bank manager or adviser such as you has to control.

"There is no reason why you should commit so much of another person’s money to feed that addiction. I recognise you will lose your job. You have brought it upon yourself."