Carer stole cash from vulnerable patients

Donna Herbert, 42, robbed four vulnerable men of more than £9,000 over a 16-month period yet walked free from court.

When challenged by suspicious bosses, £1,200 cash was found in her handbag which she had stolen from the victims’ bank accounts.

The court heard she “exploited” her role at the Haverhills Project in Wombwell, Barnsley, where she managed the adults’ financial affairs.

“This was a breach of a high degree of trust,” said prosecutor Neil Coxon.

Mother-of-two Herbert, of Probert Avenue, Goldthorpe admitted four offences of fraud by abuse of position from March 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011.

She preyed on Clive Marsden, 57, Robert Youngson, 40, Richard Youngson, 43, and Gary Allen, 53, and stole a total of £9,130.

All four victims need 24-hour round-the-clock care.

Herbert had been manager at the care provider for 10 years.

Mr Coxon told Sheffield Crown Court that Herbert and her deputy had access to the bank accounts of all four men through their PIN numbers and bank cards.

Alison Dorrell, for Herbert, said a psychiatric report showed she was suffering from a depressive illness at the time of the offending.

“She condemns herself more than anyone ever could,” said the barrister.

Recorder Jane Rowley said: “At first blush this looks like a mean series of offences committed against four vulnerable adults with severe learning difficulties whom you were responsible for in your position as a care manager.”

But Miss Rowley said she was persuaded against jailing her because the offences were “out of character”.

Herbert was given an eight-month jail term suspended for 18 months and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid community work. She will have to compensate her victims after a proceeds of crime hearing.