8 November 2011
This is the despicable thief who helped herself to an elderly man’s bank account when she was employed as a carer for his sick wife.
Victoria Nicholson, 31, admitted three counts of fraud after stealing £850 from the housebound 78-year-old while his wife was in hospital.
Nicholson was employed by Holywell Care, a home care service based in Morecambe, when she committed the offences.
Sabe Connor, the owner of the business, described Nicholson as a “good worker” who had been cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).
But on three separate occasions between October 12 and 14, Nicholson used Dennis Loughram’s bank card and pin number, which the pensioner had entrusted her with, to steal the money to pay off loans and catalogue debts.
Keith Kirkham, prosecuting, said: “On October 15 Mr Loughram began looking for his bank card with his daughter because he needed to withdraw some cash.
“He realised it was gone.”
The police and care company were brought in to investigate and Nicholson was later arrested.
Dressed in a grey cardigan with her hair pulled back, the shamed mother of Beech Grove, Ashton, spoke only to confirm her name and enter her guilty pleas at Preston Magistrates Court.
Mr Loughram, who worked for many years as a taxi driver, told carers he was devastated to discover Nicholson, who had visited their home daily to look after his frail wife, had cheated them.
Mrs Connor said: “She came across as a very trusting person. I thought there has to be an explanation. Not Vicky...she couldn’t have done that.
“Even the client was in tears. He said ‘how could she do that? We trusted her so much.’
“I was very, very disappointed.”
Nicholson was suspended from her position immediately while investigations were carried out and she has since been fired.
Holywell Care is continuing to offer the family care and support.
Colin Beesley, chairman of the bench at Preston Magistrates Court, said: “These were particularly nasty offences involving an elderly vulnerable victim and a serious breach of trust in your role as a care worker in his home.
“There has been a significant financial impact on the victim.”
Nicholson was handed a 12 month suspended jail sentence and ordered to carry out 10 hours of unpaid work in the community.
She was also put on 12 months supervision and ordered to pay £850 compensation to her victim.
SOURCE: LEP.CO.UK
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