‘Carer’ also stole from Roy, 68

HEARTLESS Margo Alongi stole from another vulnerable pensioner in her care.

As well as stealing from Lynn’s aunt Betty, she also targeted Roy Scott, 68.

Detectives spoke to Roy – who has also since died – as part of their investigation. He had £2350 stolen from him by Alongi.

He confirmed that he had asked his carers to take his bank card and withdraw money for him for items such as food and cigarettes.

Most refused, saying they didn’t want access to his money, but Alongi quickly agreed.

Alongi produced a diary and claimed it listed all the times that she had taken money out for Roy.

She claimed Roy had signed each entry, but he said: “I never requested these withdrawals and the signature is not mine.”

Two experts who examined the signatures agreed they were not Roy’s.

Forensic scientist Jonathan Morris told the jury at Alongi’s trial: “The levels of difference were such that, in our opinion, there was no evidence that Roy Scott was responsible for the questioned signatures.”

Alongi, of Musselburgh, East Lothian, who denied two charges of fraud, was convicted by a majority jury following a 10-day trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

The first offender was sentenced to two years on Friday.

Sheriff Fiona Tait said the nature of the offences and the sums involved meant there was no alternative to a custodial sentence.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Tait said: “The nature of these offences and the sums which were involved in defrauding two elderly people, each of whom was vulnerable for different reasons and you were entrusted with their care, means I am not persuaded there is an alternative to a custodial sentence.”

Defence solicitor Emma Templeton told the court Alongi’s five daughters have suffered aggression and hostility in the community since the case came to court.