Carer spared immediate jail after plundering dementia-suffering victim's bank account

Jane Simkiss was asked by Barbara Morris, her former girlfriend, to move into her Codsall home to help her with day-to-day life and her finances.

The two women had remained friends despite their relationship breaking up in 1997 but over a period of 10 months, Simkiss abused the trust put in her and raided Ms Morris's bank account.

Mr Simon Hunka, prosecuting at Wolverhampton Crown Court, said it was not possible to say exactly how much money she had illegally spent but a 'guesstimate' was about £4,000.

Simkiss had made numerous cash withdrawals, bought wine and went on holiday with Ms Morris, who did not realise she was paying for the whole lot.

Simkiss, aged 58, of Wye Close, Perton, admitted a charge of fraud during a period in 2012 and was sentenced to 10 months jail, suspended for 18 months. She still faces investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Judge John Wait told her: "You have never been in trouble before and it is very very sad you are here now. I accept you didn't seek the responsibility of looking after the financial affairs of Barbara

Morris, but having accepted that responsibility you were under a duty to look after them carefully and, most importantly, honestly.

"You were trusted by her and you abused that trust. You came to regard Barbara Morris as someone who could pay for you."

Mr Hunka said 66-year-old Ms Morris turned to Simkiss for help as her dementia worsened. They had previously been in a 14-year relationship and remained friends after splitting in 1997.

In May 2012, Ms Morris asked Simkiss to look after her finances and gave her her bank cards and PIN numbers.

In November 2012, Ms Morris went in to respite care believing she had enough savings to pay for it. In fact 'she was left in significant debt', said Mr Hunka.

In a victim impact statement prepared on Ms Morris's behalf, the court heard she had been left traumatised by the fraud.

She had had to sell a piece of jewellery given to her by her late husband. She now has no savings, existing on £30 a week 'pocket money' but is being looked after in a nursing home.

Miss Elizabeth Power, defending, said: "Clearly this was not fraudulent from the outset - it was done with the best of intentions. It was Ms Morris who approached my client for help and assistance. She accepts she took advantage of the situation. With the odd bottle of wine here or assisting with her own expenditure, not keeping an eye on how much of Barbara Morris's money she was spending."

It was said Simkiss couldn't cope with working full-time and caring for Ms Morris so she had to give up her job, putting strain on her finances.