Woman admits to £117,000 swindle

A WOMAN who befriended the vulnerable brother of former Home Secretary and Richmond MP Leon Brittan has admitted swindling him out of more than £100,000.

Michelle Braithwaite, 47, of west London, abused her position as a trusted friend and helper to Sir Samuel Brittan by making hundreds of purchases on his American Express card to fund her lifestyle, a court heard.

Sir Samuel, in his 80s, and who suffers from possible Alzheimer’s Disease, is the brother of Leon Brittan, who served as a Minister under Margaret Thatcher and who died aged 75 in 2015.

The court heard how between August 2016 and April 2017, Braithwaite made unauthorised payments for foreign holidays, beauty treatments, fast food, taxis, a party for her teenage daughter and even pet care.

Appearing at Southwark Crown Court by videolink, Ms Braithwaite pleaded guilty to three charges of fraud and one of theft.

Prosecutor Max Hardy told the court that Braithwaite “manipulated her way” into Sir Samuel’s life and gained the trust of his widowed sister-in-law Lady Diana Brittan, who held power of attorney over his financial affairs.

Braithwaite, who claimed to be a lawyer and Cambridge graduate, first met Sir Samuel through a neighbour who previously worked for him and had volunteered to help bring the elderly man food.

Over time she became Sir Samuel’s “carer, friend and confidant”, Mr Hardy said, providing him with practical help and alerting Lady Brittan when he was hospitalised after a bad fall.

Investigators concluded Sir Samuel was swindled out of £117,000. Sentencing will take place on February 1. Braithwaite is on conditional bail.