Carer embezzled thousands from disabled pensioner

A FORMER carer has admitted embezzling thousands of pounds from a disabled pensioner.

Rosemarie Morrison, of 10 Marine Court, Dunbeg, was entrusted with withdrawing money from a cash machine as part of her job.

However, during an eight- day period in June 2017, the 36-year- old woman stole £4,300 from the 71-year- old’s account, taken from various ATM cash machines in Oban in 10 installments of between £200 and £ 500 at a time.

Morrison appeared in Oban Sheriff Court on Tuesday August 15, where she pleaded guilty to all charges.

The thefts started on June 12, when Morrison visited the victim and was subsequently asked to withdraw £200 cash.

Records show that she did withdraw the money, but that she also took a further £ 300, and only handed over £200 to the victim.

Following this, she withdrew £ 500 per day for eight subsequent days until June 20.

The theft came to light when the victim tried to withdraw money and the transaction was declined.

Procurator fiscal Eoin McGinty said the victim suffers from significantly reduced mobility and receives home care four times a day.

Mr McGinty added: ‘Police noted that [the victim’s] confidence has been greatly shaken.’

He told the court that Morrison was arrested and interviewed, where she made a full admission and indicated that she was struggling financially.

Mr McGinty said: ‘None of the money [that she had embezzled] was readily available. She said she used it to pay bills.’

Morrison’s defence agent, Kevin McGinness, said that his client was full of remorse and ‘ very much regrets her behaviour’. She has since resigned from her position as a care worker.

Mr McGinnes said: ‘Her motivation was that there were personal debts in the household of just over £9,000.

‘She had an accident in December of last year and as a result of that she was unable to work for a period of two months. She had no income and arrears built up.’

The woman has since paid off the outstanding debts with the help of a loan.

Sheriff Patrick Hughes said that the pensioner had ‘been taken advantage of in a disgusting way’.

Sheriff Hughes deferred sentencing for a period of three months, while Morrison explores options to recompense the victim.

‘If that means [ Morrison] goes back into debt,’ he added, ‘that may be something she has to accept.’

Morrison will reappear in Oban Sheriff Court on November 7.