A CARER who stole more than £800 from a 98-year-old woman’s home has been ordered to carry out community service.

Leanne Wilson, of Somerset Gardens, Ayr admitted nicking £845 from the 98-year-old’s house, who lives with dementia, on various occasions between April 2 and May 25 last year. 

The 26-year-old appeared before Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. 

The court heard how Wilson had taken money from envelopes inside the house which was caught on CCTV.

The money belonged to the Black Bull Domino’s Club and was kept in the elderly lady’s house. 

Depute Fiscal Cath Whyte said: “The CCTV shows Ms Wilson bending over. The money is kept in a location where staff had no reason to be bending down to.

“The next occasion did not show her face but shows a tattoo on her left ankle. 

“CCTV shows her reach down to the envelope and take the money. 

“The woman’s son resides with her. Carers come into the house as well as members of the Black Bull Domino’s Club. 

“The money was put in the complainer’s care for a 35 week period. 

“On April 2, five members paid £20 to the treasurer.

“On May 14 the son reported the theft of the money but said he would pay some of the money back as he felt responsible. 

“The only people who attended the house at that point were his mother’s carers.

“There was CCTV evidence. 

“The accused said she had a tattoo and was asked if she had taken the money.

“She was asked if her DNA was on the envelope and she said probably.”
Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Quinton Muire, said: “Ms Wilson lost her job as a direct result of this. 

“She had worked as a carer for a number of years and enjoyed that work. She enjoyed visiting the lady who is vulnerable and visited four times a day.

“The money was in a magazine rack but she did not take from the 98-year-old lady. She understands it was a breach of trust.

“Ms Wilson has apologised unreservedly and is affronted not only herself but her family.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Mhari Mactaggart said: “You have got to understand that any breach of trust means the court will consider a custodial sentence. 

“If you behave in this way again, that is what you will be facing.”

Wilson has been placed on a community payback order and will remain under supervision for 12 months. 

She will also complete 220 hours unpaid work in 12 months.