Anthony Brumwell ( pictured ) , from Blackhall Colliery , County Durham , was jailed for three years and two months after he spent £15,000 of his grandmother 's savings . A man with an addiction to chat lines has been jailed after using his grandmother 's savings to fund his habit . Anthony Brumwell , who has previously defrauded other members of his family , spent £15,000 of his grandmother 's savings and extended her overdraft . He left the 74-year-old at risk of eviction due to rent arrears that accrued through his activities , Durham Crown Court heard . Her life insurance was also cancelled as her accounts dried up , leaving her with 'significant worry and confusion ' . Ian Mullarkey , prosecuting , said the issue came to light when a £5,000 loan application was posted to Brumwell 's father , despite carrying the defendant 's phone number . Other family members quickly checked his grandmother 's finances and realised what was happening . Her reaction was : 'He 's cleaned me out again . ' While the 31-year-old was on bail for theft and fraud against his grandmother he turned his attention to employer Start Energy , for whom he was account manager . Brumwell , from Blackhall Colliery , County Durham , set up a bogus £10,400 'deal ' through the Peterlee-based business for an electricity meter for another company . But he gave his own bank details on invoices for payments . Mr Mullarkey said this caused Start Energy major difficulties as the other company cancelled a large contract , resulting in the loss of four jobs . The court heard his financial difficulties began when he started using premium rate chat lines as a teenager , taking out payday loans to try to meet his debts along with the cost of everyday living . Shaun Dryden , mitigating , said Brumwell was spending up to £1,000 a month on the chat lines , which can cost between 41p and £2.50 per minute . Judge Simon Hickey told 31-year-old Brumwell at Durham Crown Court ( above ) : 'Your actions are said to have broken your grandmother 's heart ' He said : 'This is on top of bills and rent , and there is a point where he could not fund what he was spending . ' Brumwell admitted charges of fraud against his grandmother and employer , plus attempted theft . Judge Simon Hickey jailed Brumwell for three years and two months . He said : 'Your actions are said to have broken your grandmother 's heart . 'The tragedy is that that generous lady would have given you the money if you asked . ' Judge Hickey added that , given the defendant 's circumstances , compensation was 'unrealistic ' .
Anthony Brumwell given three years , two months at Grandmother . The 31-year-old was charged with fraud and attempted theft . Spending £1,000 every month on chat lines , costing up to £2.50 per minute . Durham Crown Court 's life insurance also cancelled as accounts dried up . Judge told Brumwell : 'Your actions broke your grandmother 's heart '