A care worker who was caught on camera stealing money from a pensioner has been given a suspended 12-month sentence. Theresa Stratton, 39, took more than £100 from the wallet of 74-year-old David Skerritt at his home in Rustington, West Sussex.
Stratton was filmed on a CCTV camera installed by Mr Skerritt's family. She denied the theft at Chichester Crown Court but was found guilty. The court heard that Stratton helped Mr Skerritt into his bedroom before taking the money from his wallet in the lounge.
Judge Christopher Parker QC said there had been a 'high degree of betrayal of trust'. Stratton was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered to carry out 260 hours of unpaid work. She must also pay £140 back to Mr Skerritt's family, as the widower has since died.
Stratton, who lived in Littlehampton, was employed by Caremark. The company released a statement saying the theft was 'highly regrettable' and that she had been dismissed as soon as the theft was discovered. Mr Skerritt had Parkinson's Disease and lived alone, with carers visiting daily.
