A rogue carer has admitted pinching money from the family of a dying man she was supposed to be looking after.
Kerry Collinson stole two cheques from the man’s partner just days before the man died and went on to forge her signature on one of them to cash the money at the bank.
It was only several weeks after the theft and fraud that the crime was discovered when the victim checked her bank statements.
After police were notified of the crime it looked as though the 35-year-old thief would not end up in court after cops initially chose not to proceed beyond a caution.
However, the family of the dead man appealed this decision and were successful in getting prosecutors to reverse the decision in November 2021.
Collinson, from Granville Street, Hull, admitted in court to one count of theft in dwelling to the amount of £200 between September 13 and September 16, 2021, and another charge of fraud by false representation, again to to the amount of £200 but between September 13 and September 17, 2021.
David Stonehouse, 74, had dementia for several years and had returned home from a prolonged stay in hospital to be as comfortable as possible before he died, according to Hull Live.
Collinson was the night sitter end-of-life carer on the very first night after he came home, provided indirectly by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
She stole two cheques from a chequebook belonging to David’s wife, Ellen Stonehouse, 75, and subsequently forged one of them to cash money for herself.
David Stonehouse passed away two days later.
Collinson eventually admitted to the offences when originally questioned by police.
Katie Stonehouse, 43, and the daughter of the victim, said: “She was supposed to be caring for my dad, overnight while he was dying, so that mum could get some sleep.
“But she stole two of my mum’s cheques and the next day, she cashed one of them to herself.
“We didn’t even know she’d done it until a few weeks later when mum checked her bank statement.”
As well as 150 hours unpaid community service, Collinson was fined £95 and ordered to pay court costs of £85, adding up to a total of £180 costs.
Katie said that upon hearing of what Collinson had done, her boss arranged for a £200 refund to match that which had been stolen.
“He was horrified and really upset,” said Katie.
“We just feel like we want to warn people about her.
“The money’s not important at all. They are meant to be people you can trust.
“That’s what we are most upset about, that she was in a position of trust.”
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