Thieving Bolton Carer Targeted 89-Year-Old Client

A thieving Bolton carer was caught red-handed stealing from the purse of an elderly client.

Tracy Swinbourne, 58, of Windermere Road, Farnworth, admitted an offence of theft when she appeared at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 7th December 2023.

Theft is an either way offence contrary to section 1 of the Theft Act 1968. The maximum penalty for theft is 26 weeks' custody on summary conviction; 7 years' custody on conviction on indictment. We have previously written an article on the legalities surrounding theft.

Magistrates heard that Swinbourne was responsible for caring for a vulnerable 89-year-old woman with mobility issues. The role entailed her visiting the woman's Bolton home on a regular basis, often several times a day.

Lee Woodyat, prosecuting, said: "The complainant is 89 years old and her family requires care staff to attend at her house four times a day due to mobility issues.

"Her daughter went on holiday in early August and left £250 at her address at the time.

"She said it should last five to six weeks. Approximately a week and a half later, she received a call from her mother asking for more money.

"This raised concern for the family and they installed a second camera."

Swinbourne knew about the first camera, but was unaware that a second camera had been installed.

Magistrates heard that the second camera caught the devious crook red-handed. It captured the moment she unplugged the first camera, pocketed £100 of cash from the victim's purse, then reconnected the device in an effort to cover her tracks.

Swinbourne made full admissions when challenged by her employer and in a subsequent police interview. She said she had previously unplugged the first camera "to test the waters".

She handed back the £100 she was caught in the act of stealing, but is suspected of further cash thefts from the victim's home.

A victim personal statement provided by the victim's daughter said: "I feel manipulated and violated that this person of trust came into my mother's home, someone who chatted to us like friends.

"She left my mum fearing for her safety. I am shocked someone would do this to someone they are supposed to care for."

Adam Whittaker, mitigating, said: "This lady has not been in trouble in the courts since 1995 and she has lost her job.

"She also returned the money to her employers and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity."

Mr Whittaker acknowledged the significant breach of trust. He said that his client had been under financial pressure due to debts accrued by her adult son.

Magistrates were deeply unimpressed at Swinbourne's dishonesty. They were of the opinion that their sentencing powers were insufficient for such a serious abuse of trust, where there had been some degree of planning in the commission of the offence.

Sarah Sutcliffe JP, Presiding Justice, sent the matter to Bolton Crown Court for sentencing.

Swinbourne was granted unconditional bail until she is sentenced on Friday, 5th January 2024.

Offences like this make my blood boil.