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A construction worker splashed out a fortune on partying and fast living after his boss paid him £40,000 too much - because he got a decimal point in the wrong place.

Steven Burke blew £28,000 on a new car, cocaine , booze and hotels after the costly blunder by his company.

He was expecting a pay check of £446.60 - but couldn't believe his luck when a massive £44,660 dropped into his bank account instead.

A court heard the company director put his decimal point in the wrong place.

But instead of letting them know, Burke filled his boots with designers clothes and online gambling.

He told a court he thought he had been a lucky victim of 'cyber crime'.

But he is now facing the prospect of jail after being ordered to pay back £28K.

Prosecutor Katy Varlow told magistrates in Scarborough, North Yorks: "In total, he spent more than £28,000 and approximately £15,000 was recovered.

"He spent the money on a car, an electronic-cigarette, hotel rooms, designer clothes, a gold chain, cocaine and vodka as well as online gambling."

Burke later received an email from the York-based company telling him about the mistake but he claimed he 'could not remember' when he saw it.

Mrs Varlow added that he failed to do the "proper" thing and report the mistake to the bank as soon as he realised that he had been overpaid.

Burke, of Scarborough, pleaded guilty to receiving wrongful credit.

Mrs Varlow added: "Mr Burke said he believed he had been the victim of a cyber crime when he was interviewed by the police."

But when asked the obvious questions of why he could not pay back the money or make anyone aware of the overpayment - he simply could not answer.

Burke will appear at York Crown Court on July 25 for sentencing.

