Carer stole £8000 from pensioner

Mother jailed for six months after withdrawing cash from ATMS

ACARERhas been jailed for six months for stealing almost £8000 from a pensioner she was looking after.

Gladys Williamson, 56, took £7750 from the bank account of 72-year-old John Leitch after running into financial problems.

The mother of four had access to his bank card and pin number so she could buy clothes and other essential items when necessary.

But Williamson abused her position by withdrawing large amounts of cash from various ATMs around Aberdeen over a six-month period.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard yesterday Williamson had taken the money the first time after running into financial difficulties.

Defence agent Neil McRobert said: “Mrs Williamson had various financial difficulties. She took the initial amount but it was to be repaid.

“However, she could not repay it and things snowballed from there.

“It was a serious breach of trust. She is ashamed and embarrassed by what she has done. Difficulties have arisen in her own life. It has put a significant strain on her marriage that now seems doomed to end.”

Williamson, of Aberdeen, became a full-time carer in 2005 after 18 years working at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

She was employed by Aberdeen City Council to work as a full-time carer for various residents at an integrated careat-home establishment.

As part of her trusted role, she was given access to Mr Leitch’s bank account.

Sh‘

e had access to his bank card and pin number. On examination of his bank statements large withdrawals of cash could be seen

But her breach of trust was exposed by the pensioner – who has subsequently died – after he noticed his money was going missing.

Procurator fiscal depute Lewis Crosbie said: “There were a number of residents. One was John Leitch.

“The accused along with others was one of his carers.

“She had access to his bank card and pin number in order to buy certain things for him.

“On examination of his bank statements large cash withdrawals could be seen.”

Mr Crosbie did not specify the exact amounts of money taken but described them as “significant” transactions.

The court heard the £7750 taken from his account had never been recovered.

Mr Leitch passed away before the court case came to an end.

Mr Crosbie said: “It transpired the accused had been taking this money for herself. The complainer is now deceased and there has been no recovery of the money.”

Williamson pled guilty last month to stealing the cash from an ATM between September 13, 2010, and 29 March, 2011.

The offence was committed at various different cash machines in Aberdeen.

She was suspended by the council when the case came to light, then lost her job.

Sentencing Williamson, Sheriff Peter Hammond said her crime was a “gross” breach of trust.

He told Williamson he had considered giving her community service but due to the serious nature of the crime he was imposing a six-month j ail sentence.

Sheriff Hammond said: “This is a really serious offence. There has been no recovery of money and there is no hope of recovery.

“It’s clear that you have prioritised your own lifestyle and spending ahead of that of your victim.”