Derbyshire woman’s £26,000 fraud of poorly mum’s council care

Louise Jackson was granted control of her mum’s finances after she became unwell in 2013, but £26,444 of Derbyshire County Council cash "was not applied to the benefit of her mother," prosecutor Jonathan Dunne said.

He said care home payments were not made properly and, after Jackson's mother went into a care home, the money continued to be spent.

But at no point did her mother suffer as a result, Derby Crown Court heard on Thursday.

Jackson, 49, of Swanwick Road, Leabrooks, Alfreton, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, between November 2016 and February 2018.

Just over £15,000 has already been repaid, the court heard, with remaining repayments subject to a Proceeds of Crime timetable.

Judge Shaun Smith QC told the court: "This isn't the type of fraud we usually see. Her own business suffered as a result of giving over time to her mother.

"All in all she has herself been in a difficult position. She hasn't helped herself to her mother's personal savings. If she had, it would be another story."

He said to Jackson: "I have no doubt you spent some of that money on her. You were not taking her money. Her estate was not diminished.

"She probably didn't have a clue what was happening anyway, and sadly she has passed away."

He sentenced Jackson to 13 months, suspended for two years, and ordered her to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

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