"Despicable" care worker stole from elderly
12th May 2011
A FORMER carer who stole money from two vulnerable elderly people has been branded “despicable” by her former boss.
Kelly Wright admitted stealing £120 each from a man aged 91 and a woman aged 81 – after she entered their homes in Malvern using a secret key code.
Wright, aged 26, of Moat Crescent, Malvern, admitted two counts of burglary when she appeared before magistrates in Worcester.
The court was told Wright knew the codes from when she had previously worked as a carer for Malvern-based Care 4 Me.
After the hearing, Brian Lee, director of the company, said: “I think it’s despicable of any person who is entrusted to look after the vulnerable to behave in this dreadful manner and to take advantage of them.
"It was through the assistance we provided she was identified and brought to justice.”
Mr Lee said Wright had been subject to full criminal and professional checks before being employed.
He has written to all his clients with a key code urging them to regularly change that code.
Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said the burglary on Friday, February 4, was of a 91-year-old retired doctor living alone in a bungalow.
He had been in his lounge when Wright called at his home at about 5pm and assumed it was one of his evening carers but later discovered £120 was missing from his wallet.
CCTV footage showed a dark blue Citroën Saxo at the scene, which led police to Wright.
In the other incident on Friday, January 14, the victim was an 81-year-old woman who received care in her home three times a day.
Mr Dodson said: “She was aware a girl had entered her bedroom. She said: ‘Who is it?’ and she said ‘It’s Jess’.
"She heard the female on the stairs and said she was quite frightened at the time. She discovered £120 had gone missing from her handbag.”
When interviewed by police Wright – who has no previous convictions – initially denied she had been to the two properties, but later admitted it.
Mr Dodson said: “She was asked why she did so and she said it was because she was in arrears with her council tax and had debts of £1,000.
"She said she felt bad about committing these crimes on vulnerable people and said she had contemplated suicide and had written a note while on police bail.”
Amer Hussain, defending, said Wright was not picked out at an identity parade and it was her own admission that led to the facts of the case coming to light.
He said: “She has expressed remorse to the police for what has taken place and is liaising with police to try and repay the individuals.”
The case was adjourned for sentencing on Tuesday, May 17, and Wright was released on unconditional bail.
SOURCE: The Worchester Mews
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