Nephew preyed on Doncaster woman
18 Apr 12
by Shaun Turton
AUTHORITIES have pledged their support for victims of elder abuse after a court heard a Doncaster woman lived in fear of her heroin-addicted nephew.
Peter Georgiou successfully appealed his 15-month sentence in the Melbourne County Court last week after breaching an intervention order and theft.
The court heard that, after losing his job as a roof tiler, Georgiou used his aunt, 74, for cash, her car and a place to stay.
His non-parole period was reduced from a year to nine months.
The pensioner, whom the Manningham Leader has chosen not to identify, was so stressed she passed blood.
Georgiou refused to take her to a doctor.
The court heard that the woman once gave her nephew $400 so he could pay for a moving truck to take his things from her home.
But the truck never showed up and Georgiou would not leave.
Speaking from her home, the woman said she still cared for and loved her nephew but could not continue to live in fear.
“I was scared if I didn’t give him money, he’d rob someone,” she said.
Doncaster detective Sgt Vasilios Chrisant, who handled the case, said older people deserved to feel safe around their family.
Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) Jenny Blakey said elder abuse ranged from intimidation and violence to people with good intentions making overriding decisions on a person’s behalf.
Doncare’s Helen McKenzie said she suspected elder abuse was a hidden problem in Manningham.
“Often it’s treated as a family secret,” Ms McKenzie said.
In 2010-11, 1592 called SRV’s helpline about elder abuse.
Details: 1300 368 821.
SOURCE: The Manningham Leader
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