Northumberland Carer Stole from Vulnerable Residents

A Northumberland carer repeatedly stole from vulnerable residents at her place of work.

Angela Kennedy, 50, of Benridge Park, Blyth, admitted three offences of theft when she recently appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court.

Magistrates heard that the residents of Lifeways' Sheehan Court, Blyth, have learning, mental health and physical disabilities, which leaves many of them unable to handle their own finances.

Kennedy, who was entrusted with looking after residents' finances, saw it as an opportunity for personal gain.

Rehana Haque, prosecuting, said: "The victims don't have the capacity to understand or process information. [One victim] has severe learning disabilities and is non-verbal. [Another victim] is verbal but has no capacity or her own, including for her finances."

On 9th September 2022 the manager of the care home spotted there was problem with one of the residents' bank accounts, which didn't have sufficient funds despite having received a payment from the local authority the previous day.

Further investigation revealed a number of unauthorised withdrawals from the resident's bank account, which were traced back to Kennedy.

Ms Haque added: "The defendant sent a text to [the manager] admitting she had taken the money and was extremely sorry for her behaviour. The local authority was notified and the defendant was suspended from her role."

In a statement, the care home manager said: "I really trusted and liked Angela and knew her for years. She was an excellent member of our team and the tenants loved her. She hugely abused the trust of me, the care staff and [the residents]."

A family member of one of Kennedy's victims said: "To know someone from a position of trust who should have been looking after [the victim] took away what little he had, time after time, is beyond my comprehension."

Magistrates heard that Kennedy, who had no previous convictions, stole £1,500 from the first victim; £1,000 from the second and £250 from the third.

Stewart Hay, mitigating, said: "There was no real reason why she did what she did. There's no explanation other than it was opportunist and she regrets it deeply. She intends to pay the money back. Her family will get together and somehow raise the £2,750 and pay it back in full."

Magistrates were of the view that Kennedy's offences, when considered in totality, were so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate. However, for reasons that have gone unreported, they have elected to suspend the period of custody.

Kennedy was sentenced to 12 months' custody, suspended for 18 months.

She was also ordered to pay £2,750 in compensation, £156 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.

Not surprisingly, she is no longer employed by Lifeways.