OLDBURY CAREGIVER TONI WILKINSON SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR STEALING OVER £40,000 FROM VULNERABLE VICTIMS IN BIRMINGHAM

Toni Wilkinson, a 46-year-old woman from Oldbury, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison after admitting to stealing more than £40,000 from two vulnerable individuals. The crime took place while Wilkinson was employed as a carer for the Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District (CHADD), a role that entrusted her with the financial well-being of her clients.

Wilkinson’s criminal actions involved systematically siphoning funds from her victims’ bank accounts. She withdrew up to £300 weekly from cashpoints or used their bank cards for shopping trips, all while she was on duty. The two victims, both of whom lacked full mental capacity, became targets of her greed, which was uncovered after a manager noticed suspicious transactions that coincided with Wilkinson’s working hours.

The investigation was swiftly initiated, leading to Wilkinson’s suspension from her position. However, she took the initiative to visit West Bromwich police station voluntarily, where she confessed to the thefts. During her court appearance at Birmingham Crown Court, Wilkinson broke down in tears, pleading for leniency and repeatedly asking, “Please let me go home to my little girl, I’m sorry everyone.”

In court, she pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by abuse of position. The judge, Recorder Joe French, delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing that Wilkinson’s actions were premeditated and targeted individuals who were particularly vulnerable. The court heard that Wilkinson had stolen £37,820 from one victim between September 2021 and March 2023, and £2,750 from another between July 2021 and February 2023.

Judge French highlighted that Wilkinson’s motivation appeared to be driven by greed, despite her own financial stability and ownership of her home. He noted that her pre-sentence report acknowledged her targeting of these individuals, believing their funds would go unnoticed. The judge also pointed out that Wilkinson was unable to specify exactly how much she had taken or what she had spent the money on, further indicating her dishonesty.

The court acknowledged the emotional impact on the victims’ families, who were understandably bewildered, upset, and angry upon learning of the betrayal. Despite her remorse and the fact that Wilkinson had no prior criminal record, the judge determined that the severity of her offending warranted immediate custody. The case was particularly sensitive because Wilkinson is a mother of two, and the court had previously considered her care arrangements if she were to be imprisoned.

After reviewing her circumstances, including the support of her family and her partner, the judge concluded that her imprisonment was necessary. The sentence was set at two years, a term that could not be suspended, reflecting the gravity of her breach of trust and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Wilkinson, visibly distressed and crying throughout the hearing, was led away to begin her custodial sentence, her pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears.