Methven teenager robbed £1000 from OAP

Oct 16 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A CALLOUS care home worker stole two bank cards from a 92-year-old nursing home resident – and then used them to buy more than £1000 worth of clothes, as well as carry-outs for her friends.

Nicola Gordon (18), of Drumgrain Avenue, Methven, was told at Perth Sheriff Court this week that only her age and lack of record had saved her from a lengthy period behind bars.

Instead, she was given the chance to repay the cash – at the rate of £20 a fortnight from her Jobseekers’ Allowance.

She admitted stealing the cards from the Dalnaglar Nursing Home, Methven, between August 1 and 5.

Then, between August 1 and 28, she pretended to staff of various shops – and internet providers – that she was authorised to use the two cards.

She induced them to provide her with various items and services worth £1200.

The amount was originally put at £1500 but a guilty plea was accepted to the lesser amount.

Depute fiscal Robbie Brown Social said that the elderly victim had been a resident at the home for six years.

The cards were removed from a safe in her room. “There was a combination on it but it was fairly easy to obtain.

“There’s no suggestion that there was any subterfuge involved in obtaining it.”

The matter came to light when a number of “strange transactions” were drawn to the attention of the woman’s son and her solicitor, who had power of attorney.

The cash was used to purchase a variety of items, including track suits and items of designer clothing, as well as the carry-outs.

“Suspicion very readily fell on the accused and she admitted taking and using the cards,” added Mr Brown.

Solicitor John McLaughlin said that the ex-Perth High School pupil had only recently been entitled to Jobseekers’ Allowance.

She was willing to repay the cash, however, at the rate of £20 a fortnight.

The accused appreciated that the court would treat the matter very seriously in light of the age of the victim and the breach of trust involved.

Deferring sentence until January 13 next year, Sheriff McCartney told Gordon: “It is only your age and the fact you appear as a first offender which causes me to think the appropriate thing is not to impose a substantial period of detention in this matter.”

Gordon has been put on the Right Track structured deferred sentence programme.

Her case will be reviewed in three months’ time.