NICOLA GORDON FROM GLASGOW AND PERTHSHIRE COMMITS CRIME AT DALNAGAR CARE HOME

A tragic case has emerged involving a resident of a nursing home in Perthshire whose life savings were stolen by a staff member, leading to her untimely death before any restitution could be made. The individual responsible, Nicola Gordon, believed to be residing in Glasgow, exploited her position to siphon over £1,200 from the elderly victim's bank account.

Gordon, aged 19, gained access to the pensioner's bank cards by stealing them from a secure safe within the Dalnagar care home located in Methven, Perthshire. Her actions did not stop at theft; she proceeded to spend the stolen funds on an extravagant lifestyle, including purchasing designer clothing and jewelry for herself, as well as treating friends to takeaway meals. Her excessive spending aroused suspicion among bank staff, who noticed the unusually high volume of take-away food purchases made in the name of the 92-year-old victim. This prompted the bank to alert the nursing home authorities, and subsequently, police were called to investigate the matter.

During the court proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court, it was revealed that the elderly woman, who was robbed of approximately £1,200, passed away three months after the incident. The court was informed that Gordon had admitted to stealing the bank cards and using them for her personal benefit. Her actions were described as particularly heinous, given the vulnerability of the elderly victim and the breach of trust involved.

Gordon's behavior extended beyond theft; she lavished herself with designer clothes and jewelry, and her friends were reportedly encouraged by her to keep buying meals for them. Her misconduct led to her dismissal from her position at Dalnagar, and she is no longer employed within the care group. Despite her actions, Gordon has been making partial restitution, paying £10 every fortnight to the estate of the deceased victim. The court deferred sentencing to allow her to continue this restitution and to demonstrate good behavior.

A spokesperson for Dalnagar Nursing Home assured that the owners are committed to fully reimbursing the victim's estate for the stolen funds. They emphasized that Gordon's employment was terminated immediately following her arrest, and she is no longer associated with the facility or its parent organization. The case highlights the devastating impact of betrayal by trusted staff within vulnerable care environments and underscores the importance of safeguarding the assets and well-being of elderly residents.