A woman has been condemned by a judge and handed a prison sentence for a "wicked and callous" fraud that targeted a vulnerable 92-year-old woman with dementia.
Michelle Barnes, 53, brazenly posed as a carer to gain entry to the pensioner's supported living accommodation in Nottingham. Once inside, she proceeded to steal her bank card and siphon thousands of pounds from her life savings.
Judge Steven Coupland, sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court, did not mince his words, branding Barnes's actions as "evil". He stated that she had specifically targeted the victim due to her advanced age and medical condition, showing a complete absence of compassion or remorse.
The Details of the Deceitful Crime
The court heard how Barnes exploited the trust of the elderly woman, who believed she was receiving genuine assistance. The stolen funds were used for the perpetrator's own personal gain, leaving the victim and her family distraught and financially impacted.
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of some of society's most vulnerable individuals.
A Strong Sentence Sends a Message
Judge Coupland emphasised that crimes of this nature against the elderly will be met with the full force of the law. The sentence reflects the severity of the breach of trust and the calculated nature of the offence.
This ruling serves as a stark warning to others who might seek to prey on those who are elderly and infirm.
