A care assistant pleaded guilty yesterday to stealing at least £2,000 from an 80-year-old woman suffering from dementia.

Jeanette Thomas, 51, of Gilbert Grove, Crosland Moor, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court where she admitted stealing the money from Margaret Robson who lives at Sandy Mount flats, Blackmoorfoot Road, Crosland Moor.

The complex provides housing care for older people.

Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said the money disappeared over a period dating from December 1, 2014, to August 17, 2015.

He said: “Over a period of months, money had been going missing from Mrs Robson’s flat causing her son some concerns and which led to him raising it with the care manager.

“She took serial numbers from Mrs Robson’s money and the police were alerted.

Frail victim: Margaret Robson
Frail victim: Margaret Robson

“On August 17 police officers carried out a search of Thomas and two £20 notes with serial numbers were identified from Mrs Robson’s property. A further search revealed £150 found in Mrs Thomas’s leggings.”

He said the full amount stolen was in the region of £2,000. Mr Bozman added: “She does accept taking a significant amount.”

During an interview with police she accepted money had been taken over a period of several months.

Mr Bozman said: “She was on emergency tax and had rent issues.”

In mitigation, Carl Kingsley said: “She has admitted the matter.

“She has been in the care industry for 30 years without blemish.

“Her father died of cancer aged 76 and she is still paying his funeral costs which she had no-one to assist her with.”

Kirklees Magistrates Court, Huddersfield.
Kirklees Magistrates Court, Huddersfield.

Mr Kingsley said Mrs Thomas had been prescribed anti-depressants by her GP and said: “There has to be a reason why someone started offending after 30 years.”

The case was adjourned until October 14 and the defendant was granted conditional bail and told not to contact Mrs Robson.

Afterwards, Mrs Robson’s son, Mark, 59, of Broomroyd, Golcar, said: “This was a massive breach of trust. I am elated at what has happened in court today though I will be more elated if she gets a custodial sentence.

“I was disgusted when I first found out and extremely angry. Fortunately the company which runs Sandy Mount, Community Integrated Care has reimbursed the money stolen.”