A Nottinghamshire woman has been sentenced to six years in prison for exploiting the trust of an elderly man in her care.
Anne Hill, who was entrusted with power of attorney over 80-year-old Louis Woodward, drained his £125,000 life savings to feed her gambling addiction and fund a lavish holiday.
Theft and Extravagance
Between August 2019 and April 2021, Hill, 57, transferred £125,164.96 from Woodward’s accounts into her own.
The funds were largely squandered on online gambling, with a notable £7,000 spent on a month-long Turkish holiday for herself and her family.
By the time of her arrest in April 2021, Woodward’s accounts were empty and he was overdrawn.
Much of the stolen money came from three withdrawals from a lifetime mortgage secured against his home.
Betrayal of Trust
Judge Mark Watson, sentencing Hill, described her actions as a severe breach of trust.
He remarked that Hill took advantage of Woodward’s vulnerabilities, stripping him of his life savings and attempting to take even more.
Hill had been put in a position of significant trust, which she exploited for personal gain.
Discrepancies and Denials
Hill maintained her innocence throughout the trial, claiming that Woodward had given her permission to transfer the money to pay his bills and alleged he gifted her £60,000.
However, Woodward’s video testimony contradicted her claims, stating that she was only authorized to use his funds for his benefit and did not receive any gifts from him.
Gambling and Holiday Spending
Investigations revealed that Hill had a long history of gambling addiction, pre-dating her role as Woodward’s power of attorney.
Between May 2018 and April 2021, she accumulated net gambling losses of £108,251.91 through over 17,000 transactions.
She also booked a £7,000 holiday to Turkey, though it was eventually canceled due to the Covid pandemic.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Efforts
Despite overwhelming evidence, Hill denied wrongdoing and took the case to trial.
She was found guilty of five counts of fraud and one count of perverting the course of justice.
Detective Sergeant Daniel Weaver, who led the investigation, emphasized the sadness of the case, noting that it was only in the final months of Woodward’s life that the full extent of Hill’s financial abuse was uncovered.
The investigation ensured that Woodward was safeguarded in his last days and led to efforts to recover funds through the Proceeds of Crime Act to fulfill his final wishes.
Ensuring Accountability
This case underscores the importance of safeguarding the elderly and vulnerable, particularly when they place their trust in others.
Lasting Powers of Attorney are crucial roles designed to protect individuals who are at their most vulnerable.
Nottinghamshire Police and partner agencies remain committed to ensuring that those who abuse such trust are held accountable.
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