From Gambling Addiction to Incarceration: A Mother’s Journey

Sian McLear’s life took a dramatic turn when her gambling addiction led her to steal £320,000 (AU$655,800) from her employer. This decision ultimately resulted in her incarceration, where she faced the harsh reality of raising her infant son, George, within the confines of a prison environment.

The journey began innocently enough. Sian, a finance manager from Liverpool, initially viewed gambling as a harmless pastime after a night out at bingo with colleagues. However, what started as a casual activity quickly morphed into a “horrendous” addiction. Sian downloaded gambling apps, believing they would provide a fun distraction. Instead, they unleashed a cycle of dependency that would spiral out of control.

“I remember my first win – I had a free spin and won £50 (AU$102),” Sian recalled. This early success ignited a fire that consumed her spare time and finances. The allure of easy wins drew her deeper into the world of online gambling, and what was once a casual hobby transformed into an obsession.

Initially, her bets were modest, but the thrill of gambling took precedence. The incessant notifications from gambling apps kept her engaged throughout the day, leading her to gamble every night. Sian soon found herself borrowing money to fund her habit. “I was getting myself into a lot of debt through payday loans and credit cards,” she explained. The need to play overtook her rational thinking, and she developed a distorted view of her situation.

Despite being in a loving relationship with her husband Ray, Sian concealed the extent of her addiction. The shame of her actions led her to lead a double life, where she presented a facade of success while grappling with the reality of her deteriorating mental health. Her gambling addiction became an insurmountable burden, yet she felt unable to confide in anyone.

In November 2017, Sian’s life reached a tipping point. On the same day she discovered she was pregnant, she was dismissed from her job. This pivotal moment forced her to confront the consequences of her actions. Shortly thereafter, she learned of an investigation into her theft from her employer. “That was rock bottom for me,” she said, reflecting on the overwhelming despair she felt about becoming a mother while facing legal repercussions.

Sian eventually confessed her gambling problem to her family, who rallied around her during this difficult time. It was a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her journey towards recovery. Following a police investigation, Sian was arrested, and it was revealed that she had stolen an astonishing £320,000 over three years.

While awaiting her court date, Sian discovered the Beacon Counselling Trust, a charity offering support for individuals grappling with gambling addiction. Engaging with a therapist proved to be a turning point in her life. By the time of her first court hearing, she had not gambled for nine months, and her son George was just four months old.

In January 2019, Sian received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison. Despite the despair of her situation, Sian found solace in the structured environment of prison. She was able to spend time with George in the mother and baby unit, which eased her anguish over their circumstances. During her time in prison, Sian took every opportunity for personal growth. She learned hairdressing, worked in the prison salon, applied for university, and completed a counselling course.

Sian was released on January 31, 2020, having served only one year of her sentence. Since her release, she has graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in criminology and psychology from Liverpool John Moores University and now serves as the Education and Brief Intervention Lead at Beacon Counselling Trust.

“I believe everything happens for a reason, and George definitely saved my life,” Sian stated. Her experiences have fueled her passion for advocating for gambling addiction awareness and support. She emphasized the need for workplaces to implement gambling policies similar to those already in place for drugs and alcohol.

Sian’s story highlights the often-overlooked dangers of gambling addiction, particularly in a society where it is normalized. Her journey from addiction to recovery serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of addiction and the importance of seeking help.

For those struggling with gambling addiction, Sian encourages reaching out for support, underscoring that recovery is possible with the right resources and determination.