Sedgley carer stole £9,000 from disabled man

Sharon Raybould was acting manager at the Pathways Care Group home, Woodsetton, when she took the money from the account of the 53-year-old over a period of nearly two years.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard the man was unable to communicate and had no family to look after his affairs.

As management at the home, Raybould had access to his bank card and PIN number.

But she 'betrayed this trust' between May 28 2011 and March 28 2013 taking out £9,260 to aid her own financial difficulties. The court was told she made 80 such transactions over the period.

Mr Kevin Jones, prosecuting, said when money was taken out it was usually entered into a log at the home.

But Raybould had either not entered any information at all or recorded smaller sums were being taken out.

Raybould, 42, of Beacon Lane, Sedgley, pleaded guilty to one count of theft at a previous hearing.

Mr Jones said: "None of the resident's bank statements were being sent to the home which gave the defendent the opportunity to carry this out.

"She left the home in 2013 and the new manager was able to get their hands on these statements and noticed the discrepancies. These were then investigated. When interviewed by police she admitted what she had done."

Mr Jones said Raybould had taken out no more than £300 each time.

"We say the opportunity presented itself and she took it."

Mr Simon Hanns, defending, said his client was of previous good character and was the sole carer for her partner and his son.

But he conceded Raybould's actions were a breach of the trust which had been given her.

"She is remorseful for what she has done and has admitted this money was used to top up her own financial difficulties. She is the sole carer for her partner and his son and if given an immediate custodial sentence it would have a major impact on the family."

But Recorder Phillip Shears QC said a jail term was 'inevitable' given the severity of what she had done.

"This offence was mean and a breach of trust. You were in a management role at this care home.

"Your victim was a man in his 50s who was not in a position to look after himself. You took advantage of that to steal from him on 80 occasions over two years.

"This was a protracted theft and an immediate custodial sentence is inevitable."

A spokesman for Pathways Care Group said: "When we became aware of the theft, Sharon Raybould was no longer employed with the group.

"We immediately reported the allegations to the police and supported them fully throughout their investigation.

"We remain extremely disappointed that her behaviour fell well below the high standards we expect from of our staff in protecting and supporting vulnerable adults in our care. We therefore fully welcome the court's decision and the sentence that has been served."