A thieving Shropshire carer stole more than £1,000 from an elderly client.
Lisa Wigley, 36, from Shrewsbury, admitted offences of burglary with intent to steal and fraud by abuse of position when she appeared at Telford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 16th July 2025.
Burglary with intent to steal is an offence under section 9(1)(a) of the Theft Act 1968. In the case of a dwelling, the offence has a maximum sentence of 14 years' custody on conviction on indictment; 12 months' custody on summary conviction. I have previously written a guide to the offence of burglary, which readers may find of interest.
Magistrates heard that the elderly victim, aged in his 80s, requires carers at his property four-times a day.
Neighbours of the man became concerned when they noticed Wigley, one of the carers, visiting his Shrewsbury property on a day she didn't work. It was later discovered that the elderly gentleman's bank card had been stolen and used to withdraw £1,080 from his account.
Doorbell footage from the man's property confirmed Wigley as the visitor and she was later arrested and charged with the offences.
Magistrates were of the view that Wigley's offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
She was sentenced to 12-months' custody suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £200 in compensation.
As is often the case, the reasons for suspending the custodial term have gone unreported. However, these crimes were a particularly egregious breach of trust, so they must have been compelling.
Of course given the nature of Wigley's job, it is likely she was of previous good character. She will have lost both good name and employment as a consequence of her convictions and will forever be known as the woman who stole from an elderly, vulnerable client. No doubt tongues will be wagging and curtains twitching for quite some time to come, which is a secondary sentence the court could not have imposed.
Detective Constable Daniel Bushell, of West Mercia Police, said: "Wigley abused her power, as well as the trust placed in her as a carer looking after those most vulnerable in the community, and it was a thought-out, deliberate act to target and take advantage of an innocent man.
"I am thankful for the neighbour who contacted police as soon as they became suspicious of her movements, which allowed us to act quickly before more offending could take place.
"We are pleased with the sentence that has been given to Wigley."
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