In this instance, the attorney stole the life savings of an elderly relative, amounting to a total of £10,858 between July 2008 and April 2011. Additionally, the defendant has admitted a charge of fraud, as she took money from the pensioner for her own use, under the guise of acting as attorney. There was a further charge of stealing, which was denied by the defendant when she appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday 28th May.
The defendant's sentence has not yet been determined as the case has been adjourned for the prosecution to consider the facts further and whether or not to proceed with a proceeds of crime investigation.
This case highlights the importance of taking extreme care when choosing who to appoint under a Power of Attorney. It is vitally important that your attorneys are people who you can trust and, as this case shows, this does not always extend to family members.
If you are thinking about creating a Lasting Power of Attorney, please contact us on 01245 493939 or email privateclient@gepp.co.uk
