A NatWest cashier who systematically stole thousands of pounds from customer accounts to feed a spiralling gambling addiction has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence.
Kieran Stow, 28, from Chatham, Kent, exploited his position at the Rochester branch to siphon a total of £18,430 from three vulnerable customers over a seven-month period. Maidstone Crown Court heard how Stow was in the grip of a severe gambling habit that compelled him to commit the fraud.
Judge Catherine Moore acknowledged Stow's early guilty plea and his efforts to address his addiction, but emphasised the seriousness of the breach of trust. "Your actions were a gross breach of trust against both your employer and the customers you served," she stated.
Instead of a custodial sentence, Stow was handed a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity days focused on tackling his gambling issues.
The Mechanics of the Fraud
The court was told how Stow orchestrated the thefts between May 2022 and January 2023:
- He targeted customers he identified as vulnerable or less likely to notice the missing funds.
- Using his internal banking login, he created fake banknotes requisition forms.
- He would then pocket the cash himself, manipulating the system to cover his tracks.
The fraud was uncovered when another member of staff became suspicious and alerted managers, leading to an internal investigation and Stow's immediate suspension.
A Pathway to Rehabilitation
In his defence, the court heard that Stow was genuinely remorseful and had taken significant steps towards rehabilitation. He has since sought professional help for his gambling addiction and is participating in therapy to understand the root causes of his behaviour.
The judge noted that an immediate prison sentence would likely hinder this progress and that the public was better served by his rehabilitation. A five-year restraining order was also put in place to protect the victims from any further contact.
While NatWest has reimbursed the stolen funds to the affected customers, the case raises ongoing concerns about internal controls within banks and the devastating impact of gambling addiction.
