A carer went on a £4,000 spending spree with a bank card belonging to an elderly woman he looked after.
Fraudster Alan Brand intercepted a TSB debit card meant for wheelchair user Jean Hill, who was 68 at the time.
Brand became the prime suspect when it emerged in his role as a carer, he had previously helped her with an online order.
He made more than 20 illicit purchases, including at self-service machines in various shops around Dundee.
Some were also made through online giant Amazon.
The gambling addict was handed the maximum unpaid work sentence, discounted due to his early plea.
Breached trust
In Dundee Sheriff Court, Ms Hill was described as a “vulnerable” and “elderly” woman.
Fiscal depute Laura Farquhar explained Brand was previously employed in the care home where she lived.
On a date in 2020, Ms Hill asked Brand to help her make a purchase on Amazon.
Between December 31 that year and January 5, Ms Hill informed the care home manager she could not find her bank card.
It was later revealed she had not received the card, which had been “intercepted”.
She checked her bank statements and saw 23 transactions had been made without her knowledge between December 20 and January 21.
They totalled £4,106.14.
The care home manager contacted the bank, which reimbursed Ms Hill.
Police were also contacted.
Brand, 43, was quickly identified as a suspect, having helped Ms Hill with a bank transaction before.
Some items which had been purchased were found at Brand’s former home.
He was interviewed by police and told officers he had used the card at the Best-One shop on Fintry Road, the Co-op on Albert Street, Scotmid on Clepington Road and city branches of Tesco Express and Lidl.
Purchases were also made online.
Admission
Now living at Restalrig Road South in Edinburgh, Brand admitted presenting the bank card to automated checkouts and online retailers and fraudulently spending the four-figure sum.
Solicitor Carolyn Leckie said: “He’s currently working. His current employer is aware.
“Mr Brand fully accepts responsibility and does feel extremely remorseful.
“He accepted responsibility at the first opportunity.”
Ms Leckie added her client was toiling with gambling addiction.
“At the time of the offence, he had developed a serious gambling problem.
“He was in the cycle. That problem had developed over a period of five years.
“He’s sought voluntary support and assistance. That’s under control at present.”
Sheriff Gregor Murray ordered Brand to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, reduced from the maximum of 300 due to the early plea.
He said paying back TSB was a matter between Brand – who offered to pay compensation – and the bank.
“This is a very clear and very significant breach of trust,” the sheriff said.
“I’m persuaded, just, that there is an alternative to custody.”
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