A care worker was caught red-handed stealing money from his 88-year-old client, a court has heard.
The family of the Perthshire pensioner, who suffers from severe dementia, became suspicious when they noticed cash was disappearing from her purse.
They set up a hidden camera at her home to catch the thief in the act. When they reviewed the footage, they saw the woman’s carer, Eamonn Barker, helping himself to a £20 note.
Barker, 30, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Tuesday and admitted three counts of theft.
Fiscal depute Tina Dickie said Barker had been employed by Auchterarder-based firm Avenue Care Services at the time. As part of a care package, the woman was visited by carers at her home in Milnathort, four times day at time.
“They come to help her with various matters,” she said. “Mr Barker had been one of her carers for about two years.”
The court heard that the woman was given £50 each week by her daughter to help pay for everyday goods.
One night last month, the daughter was visiting her mother and saw that she had £40 left in her purse.
The next day, she noticed there was only £20 remaining.
The court heard that the elderly victim had been away overnight and the only person at the house – when the money was taken – was Barker.
The daughter noticed another £20 had gone missing a few days later.
Ms Dickie said: “Because of the previous incident, the police were contacted and they advised that CCTV could be in put in place, pointing in the direction of the purse.
“The CCTV was viewed by the family and the film clearly shows Mr Barker stealing from the purse.”
She said Barker was traced by police, cautioned and charged.
Barker represented himself in court and admitted stealing from his victim on May 10, 24 and 25 this year.
Sheriff William Wood told him the case would be deferred for background reports.
“I haven’t completely ruled out a custodial sentence,” he said.
Avenue Care Services declined to comment on the case.
