A care worker who used a vulnerable resident's bank card to steal £3,000 of her life savings has been struck off. Zoe Shepherd, 29, from Cupar in Fife, repeatedly took money from the woman's account between August and October last year.
Police became involved after the victim noticed a large sum of money missing. A review of staff rotas at the care home in Newburgh pointed to Shepherd, and CCTV footage showed her using card machines to withdraw the cash.
Admission and sentencing
When questioned, Shepherd initially admitted taking the money and said it was in her car, then claimed it was in her bank account. However, when police tried to recover the cash, it had all been spent. None of it could be recovered.
Shepherd avoided jail after being convicted at Dundee Sheriff Court in April. She was given 200 hours of unpaid work after admitting the theft. She later sent £2,800 to the care home to be returned to the victim, but was ordered to pay back the remaining £200.
Professional ban and watchdog statement
Following sentencing, Shepherd was banned from working in the profession indefinitely. Her case was heard at a Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) hearing earlier this week.
The watchdog said: "Social service workers, in whom supported individuals and the public place their trust and confidence, are expected to act with honesty and integrity. You stole a significant sum of money from a supported individual."
It added: "You were dishonest and abused the trust and confidence placed in you as a social service worker. Your behaviour caused financial harm to a supported individual and risked causing them emotional harm."
Sheriff's remarks
During sentencing, Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith said: "For all I know that was their life savings. It could be money accumulated over many years of working. She robbed the complainer of that by taking it out of the bank and keeping it for herself."
He added: "It is a gross breach of trust. You have crossed the custodial threshold."
