DEPARTMENT FOR
BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM News Release (2008/272)
issued by COI News Distribution Service. 17 November 2008
A bankrupt who
stole from the elderly lady she cared for has been jailed for 18 months.
Christine Townsend, 54, from Clifton in Bedfordshire, took nearly
£20,000 from June Marden in 2004 after starting work in her home
as a care assistant.
Mrs Marden suffered from dementia and Townsend - then known as
Christine Dunville - took advantage of her, transferring her
victim's life savings into her own bank account.
The deception came to light after Townsend was declared bankrupt
and her finances investigated by the Official Receiver. On the
transfer being discovered, Townsend maintained that money was a
gift from Mrs Marden after she told her that she was getting married.
In sentencing Townsend at Luton Crown Court, Judge Andrew Bright
QC said:
"The breach of trust which these offences involved is as bad
an example of taking advantage of a vulnerable old lady as it can
get. In my judgement it is so serious that the only appropriate
sentence for these offences is imprisonment."
Business Minister Pat McFadden said:
"We are determined to crack down on cheats like these who
profit by deception.
"This prosecution sends a clear message to would-be
fraudsters that they won't get away with it."
Townsend was sentenced to 15 months for two counts of theft and a
further three months for four bankruptcy offences.
As well as stealing a total of £19,707, Townsend later failed to
provide required information to the Official Receiver and
illegally obtained credit from two banks without informing them of
her bankruptcy.
The stolen savings will now be returned to Mrs Marden's family.
Notes to Editors
1. Prosecution was brought against Townsend on all 6 charges by
the Department for Business.