CAREGIVER STOLE OVER £7,600 FROM VULNERABLE WOMAN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
A women’s carer from Macduff engaged in a severe breach of trust by stealing over £7,600 from a vulnerable woman with learning difficulties.Joanne Cresswell, aged 45, used her role as the main caregiver to repeatedly withdraw money from the woman’s bank account, utilizing her bank card at various cash machines across the Grampian region over a period of six months.
Specifically, from August 28, 2018, to February 23, 2019, she withdrew a total of £7,650.
The theft was uncovered when a family member of the woman reviewed bank statements and noticed unapproved withdrawals.
None of the stolen funds could be recovered.
Cresswell, who has five children, was employed by Mears Care Scotland.
She admitted to using the woman’s bank card without authorization, taking advantage of the high level of trust placed in her by the victim’s family.
She pleaded guilty to theft charges in Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
The court heard that Cresswell actually admitted to stealing only £900 when questioned later at police station, expressing shame for her actions.
Her defense claimed she was under significant financial stress and did not intend to commit such a serious breach.
The judge, Sheriff Andrew Miller, sentenced her to a community payback order including a 12-month supervision period and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Mears Care expressed their disgust at her conduct, confirming they suspended and then terminated her employment following the incident.
The court emphasized the gravity of abusing the trust of a vulnerable person for financial gain, noting the betrayal of confidence involved in her actions.
