Notts woman siphoned cash from dying father-in-law's bank account

Mandy Marshall and her husband were granted power of attorney after the elderly man harmed himself, and she helped him return home, said prosecutor Esther Harrison.

But after a falling out between Marshall and another family member, checks were made on the man's bank accounts and it was revealed she had two bank cards issued in her own name in May 2018.

She took a total of £8,000, with £3,200 of unauthorised withdrawals, buying £2,389 of mobile phones, and making £1,690 in cash deposits.

"On May 8, the defendant tried to move £7,000 between the two bank accounts," Ms Harrison told Nottingham Crown Court.

"The transfers were stopped and (her father-in-law) went to the solicitors to revoke power of attorney.

"She called to say she thought he was developing dementia."

Laura PItman, mitigating, said Marshall was "deeply ashamed."

"She has been in his life for 27 years," she said. "There is no suggestion she ever acted in a way contrary to his interests before this."

She described Marshall, who has no previous convictions, as "crucial" in him being allowed to return to his family home as opposed to hospital or a care home.

"She was struggling financially," said Ms Harrison. "She was also acting as a carer for her son.

"It's the usual story. So often people take small amounts in the hope that they will be able pay the money back. But it spiralled out of control

"She was buying expensive mobile phones and trading them in for small amounts of money

"So many people bury their heads in the sand even when the evidence is overwhelming."

Marshall, 43, of West Hill Road, Retford, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, after initially denying the charge.

On Wednesday, Judge James Sampson described her as "thoroughly dishonest" but noted that the care she provided was "generally good."

He sentenced her to eight months, suspended for 21 months, with 20 rehabilitation activity requirements, because he was "confident the court will not see her again."