UK Carer Jailed for £30,000 Theft: Vulnerable Man Left Starving in Freezing Home

M10News: A vulnerable man, Gary Stewart, 60, found himself in dire straits as his carer, Rachel Dawes, 43, was sentenced to over two years in prison.

The court heard how Dawes, entrusted with Stewart’s care from 2017 to 2021, abused her position by siphoning £30,000 from his savings.

Dawes, also known as Rachel Evans, worked for Sage Care Ltd and was Stewart’s primary carer during the mentioned period. Despite concerns raised by Stewart’s family, who could not visit him due to COVID-19 restrictions, Dawes misled them into believing she adequately cared for him.

Stewart, who has learning difficulties and requires assistance with daily tasks, including shopping and meal preparation, suffered greatly due to Dawes’ actions.

Another carer, Wendy Beckett, discovered Stewart living in appalling conditions with minimal funds after Dawes was suspended in March 2021.

Beckett’s intervention revealed a disturbing pattern of irregular payments from Stewart’s account, including subscriptions, online purchases, and frequent withdrawals. Dawes’ unauthorized transactions left Stewart without electricity, heating, or sufficient food despite her previous warnings about inappropriate charges.

Dawes, a mother-of-two with a previous conviction for fraud, admitted using Stewart’s money for personal expenses, including a new sofa, TV, and takeaways.

She cited desperation, exacerbated by personal struggles, including financial debts and family health issues, as the motivation behind her actions.

In sentencing, Judge Katherine Pierpoint condemned Dawes’ behaviour, emphasizing the significant impact on Stewart’s physical and emotional well-being.

Stewart’s family, who had expressed concerns about his well-being, were shocked to discover the extent of Dawes’ betrayal.

Dawes’ actions not only left Stewart in a precarious financial situation but also caused him physical suffering, as evidenced by his plea for help from neighbours when he found himself without gas, electricity, or food. Despite his family’s trust in Dawes, she callously exploited Stewart’s vulnerability.

Dawes’ sentencing to two years and six months in prison and a restraining order preventing contact with Stewart for five years reflects the severity of her crimes. The case highlights the vulnerability of individuals in care and underscores the importance of accountability in safeguarding their welfare.