off.

Joseph Mason, aged 29, was sentenced to six months behind bars at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Wednesday April 25.

Mason, of no fixed address, obtained details of people's bank accounts and managed to withdraw a total of £25,340 before he was arrested by police.

Michael Conry, defending, told the hearing Mason was addicted to gambling and he had no money at all set aside.

Mr Conry said: "He knows it is a problem he has to deal with.

"He is determined to put things right because he has realised life is passing him by.

"He takes money and then gambles it all away."

Recorder William Andrea-Jones QC told Mason: "You have spent far too much of your life in prison and you probably realise that.

"It may just be the case that you are finally determined to turn the corner," he said.

Mason admitted nine charges of obtaining money by deception and three of attempted deception.

He further asked the Recorder to take into consideration a total of 30 other similar offences.

The court heard all the bank account holders who had been defrauded by Mason - a man with previous convictions for dishonesty - had been reimbursed in full.