$11k stolen from stroke victim by niece

A man ‘‘rendered helpless’’ by a stroke had $11,800 stolen out of his bank account by his niece, who used it for spend-ups at retail shops, cafes and liquor stores.

Karlene Renee Whatuira’s uncle is 67 and suffered a debilitating stroke in 2014. It resulted in a severe and lasting disability for which he requires full-time residential care.

The police summary of facts said the victim was a Ma¯ ori landowner and regular payments connected to this were made to his bank account. Before his son become his welfare guardian in April 2016, the man’s bank card was in the possession of Whatuira’s mother, as she looked after his financial affairs.

In November 2017, the victim’s family noticed money had gone missing from his account.

It was later established that between November 12, 2014 and December 20, 2015 a total of $11,827.53 had been taken from his account by Whatuira, who used the card 228 times during the 13-month period.

Of the transactions, about $5406 was taken in cash withdrawals, $2600 spent in retail stores and another $1300 blown at liquor stores and bars.

Yesterday, the New Plymouth District Court heard how the defendant got hold of the card through her mother but had noone’s permission to use it.

Whatuira, who is 42, previously pleaded guilty to one representative charge of using a document for pecuniary advantage. Lawyer Jo Woodcock said her client had been under significant financial stress at the time of the offending due to her own bad health and also having to provide for her three children.

Whatuira had prepared a letter of apology and was ‘‘very remorseful’’ about what she did, Woodcock said.

‘‘She’s expressed a great deal of shame for her actions.’’

Whatuira was well aware of the negative impact on her uncle and his children and Woodcock acknowledged the breach of trust was an aggravating factor in the case. She said the defendant deserved credit for her early guilty plea and the steps she had taken to address her issues, which included getting help with budgeting.

Judge Philippa Cunningham said Whatuira’s wider family had been ‘‘deeply hurt’’ by her actions. She said the victim had been ‘‘rendered helpless’’ by his stroke and was reliant on his family to support him.

Whatuira was ordered to complete a six month term of supervision, 60 hours of community work and pay back the stolen money in full.