GANG OF ABUSERS TARGETED VULNERABLE ELDERLY VICTIMS AND 'MADE THEIR LIVES A MISERY'
In Chester, a criminal network responsible for abusing vulnerable individuals and causing them hardship has been sentenced by the court.Eight individuals, four men and four women, were convicted of multiple offences, including theft, fraud, and harassment, and collectively received over 11 years of imprisonment.
Court orders in the form of injunctions have been issued to prevent the offenders from exploiting elderly or vulnerable people again in the future.
Leanne Lowndes, the officer leading the investigation, stated: “This has been a long and complex investigation which involved a network of people who preyed on the vulnerable and elderly, making their lives a misery.
“I am pleased with the conclusion of the case, and I hope they bring some sort of closure for all of the victims that were affected.” Clare Thompson, 43, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for 24 months with supervision.
All defendants were sentenced at Chester Crown Court on March 22.
The injunctions restrict their access to supported housing or care homes without approval, prohibit them from keeping financial information of individuals, and prevent antisocial behaviour within Cheshire West.
Operation Brisbane was initiated in March 2015 after community members expressed concerns over the abuse of vulnerable residents in Chester.
Chester LPU inspector Brian Green remarked that the sentencing sends a clear message that such reprehensible behaviour will not be tolerated.
He added: “Police community support officers responded directly to concerns voiced by the public, engaging with the community on their beats.
“It’s very important the public know we’re here for them and see we take their concerns seriously.” To secure the civil injunctions, PC Lowndes partnered with Cheshire West and Chester adult social care, collecting sufficient evidence against all nine defendants.
This initiative marked the first time Cheshire Police employed civil bans of this kind.
Mandy Shaw, Sergeant of the Chester ASB Unit, emphasised: “We monitor reports of this kind of behaviour very closely, as it can often cause considerable distress for the victims and their families.
