A former care worker from Lincoln has been given a suspended prison sentence after stealing more than £8,000 from an 80-year-old woman with dementia whom she was employed to look after.
Alison Handcock, 40, of Browning Drive, admitted using the victim's bank card to make unauthorised purchases, including food, clothing and petrol. Lincoln Crown Court heard the first theft occurred in 2021 when Handcock claimed she was 'caught short' and used the card to buy fuel.
The thefts were discovered in 2023 when a manager reviewed the victim's Halifax bank statement, revealing a total of £8,311 had been taken. Handcock made 'full and frank' admissions to police, immediately acknowledging she had done 'something bad'.
Sentencing Handcock, Judge Simon Hirst said such behaviour 'always passes the custodial threshold' and that she had lost her good character 'forever'. However, he imposed a 12-month sentence suspended for two years, citing her confession, previous good character, and responsibilities caring for two teenage children.
Handcock, who pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
