In a statement written before she passed away, his mum Glenys described her worry that she might be left homeless when her money was taken.
Judge Martin Yale, who sentenced Hilton, said: “At the time when your mother needed you most, you betrayed her.”
The court heard that Hilton was appointed as his mum’s power of attorney after she moved into The Swallows care home in Catford back in 2014.
Her fees were initially covered by Lewisham Council until 2017, when the Council’s investigation found she had means to pay.
Hilton then sold her home and transferred the £198,000 equity into his own account, the court heard.
Most of that money was then spent on legitimate expenses for his mum, but he also used in the region of £80,000 for his own needs.
Over the course of around two years, he used the money to pay off debts as well as to make various other purchases for himself.
The court heard that during this time he also applied for a mortgage for a house with his daughter, claiming to have a deposit of £100,000.
“This was highly dishonest, selfish and in direct breach of your power of attorney,” Judge Yale said.
“You ultimately depleted her finances, leaving her with nothing.”
Hilton racked up £45,000 of debt with the care home and a further £47,000 with Lewisham Council, who stepped in to pay the care home when he couldn’t.
The full scale of the fraud was revealed when it was discovered by his brother, who reported it to the police.
Judge Yale said: “When you were arrested you claimed you had your mother’s permission to spend the money and she had given you a loan of £50,000.
“She was spoken to by the police and she denied any such thing.
“Your mum provided a victim impact statement. She’s described as being very emotional about the situation.
“She was worried about the future due to the money she lost. Having worked all her life she didn’t think she would have to worry about her care home fees being paid.
“She was worried about being evicted from the care home which would leave her homeless, despite received assurances she continued to worry.”
Despite hearing what he described as “powerful” mitigation from Hilton, Judge Yale decided only a prison sentence could be justified.
