A man who stole from his ex-wife and used her signature and PIN to obtain thousands of pounds totalling more than £77,000 has avoided prison.

Darren Goldsmith, 37, of Kings Road, Dereham, was given a suspended prison sentence at Norwich Crown Court yesterday after he stole £11,000 from Julia Grier's savings account and obtained more than £66,000 by fraudulently by using her signature and PIN to obtain money via mortgage advances, a credit card and a loan.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and one of theft, between September 2007 and December 2009.

John Morgans, defending, said: 'He admitted he was gambling. He is under no illusions of the impact on his ex-wife.'

Richard White, prosecuting, told the court that Miss Grier, 34, had to sell the couple's home, losing equity and an £8,000 deposit.

She had also declared herself bankrupt and moved into rented accommodation.

Sentencing, Mr Recorder Jonathan Seely said: 'You turned her life upside down for your selfish own ends.'

He gave Goldsmith a 16 month prison sentence suspended for two years and a requirement to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.