BORDERS CARER STOLE CASH FROM VULNERABLE ADULTS
A carer who embezzled cash from two vulnerable adults has avoided a custodial sentence at Selkirk Sheriff Court.The 26-year-old Stacey Burnett, who was found guilty after a trial, was instead sentenced to 120 hours of community service.
She was convicted of embezzling £650 from one woman in her care between May 11, 2009, and January 25, 2011, and £200 from another woman she was assisting between September 30 and November 18, 2010.
Burnett, employed by the Brothers of Charity contracted by Together Borders, assisted vulnerable adults with their daily needs, including handling cash transactions.
It was revealed she accompanied both victims, who suffer moderate-to-severe learning difficulties, to bank cash machines, where two separate withdrawals were made within a minute, but only one was recorded in their book.
The court was told she had lost her job as a result of her conviction but had gained new employment since.
Her defense lawyer said she is a young woman with much to offer the community.
Sheriff Kevin Drummond stated that he was satisfied a custodial sentence was not necessary and instead imposed community service as an alternative.
