Jail for carer who stole from woman

Christine Askham, 46, looked after Maureen Eccles, who had suffered a stroke and was confined to a wheelchair at Haythorne Place care home in Shiregreen, Sheffield.

The carer used Mrs Eccles’ cash card and pin to take as much as £350 at a time from the pensioner’s bank account over an 18-month period.

Michael Tooley, prosecuting, told Sheffield Crown Court that Askham was the main carer for Mrs Eccles and used to take her on outings.

Askham was captured on a CCTV camera walking away from a cash machine shortly after the card had been used to make a withdrawal.

When interviewed Askham, who is of previous good character, admitted making the withdrawals. None of the money has been repaid.

Askham, of Kinnard Place, Shiregreen, pleaded guilty to abuse of her position and was jailed for 12 months.

Richard Adams, for the carer said she had worked at the home for 17 years, but had suffered stress at home and at work due to staff shortages. This led to depression and she started drinking.

She had lost her job and was now in a far worse position as she could not repay her debts or the money she owed to Mrs Eccles.

Mr Adams asked the judge to keep any prison term as short as possible.

Judge Simon Lawler said: “You have lost a great deal and I accept you had your difficulties but nevertheless this was a mean course of conduct towards a vulnerable old lady.”