12:00pm Monday 15th March 2010
By Ben Parsons, Crime Reporter
A carer who stole from an elderly client has walked free.
Donna Fallon, 36, got a suspended sentence after sneaking into the 92-year-old dementia sufferer’s bedroom and stealing his cash.
She had continued calling at his home even after she stopped working with him.
Police began investigating when the man’s new carer noticed hundreds of pounds were going missing.
Detectives secretly filmed Fallon creeping into the bedroom of his Rustington home to steal money in August.
She admitted two counts of burglary at Worthing Magistrates’ Court.
Fallon, of Bayford Road, Littlehampton, was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail, suspended for two years, She was also ordered to do 200 hours’ community service and pay £120 in compensation and £120 in costs.
Detective Sergeant John Witt, of Littlehampton CID, said, “I am pleased that we secured a conviction in this case and hope that it sends out the message that we will use a wide range of investigative tactics to identify offenders and hold them to account.
“It was particularly pleasing to achieve this result as the victim was very elderly and the offender had known him and previously worked for him.
“I would urge those who are seeking carers, either for themselves or a family member, to use a reputable company that carries out the necessary checks on its staff.”
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