Carer conned £12,000 out of disabled man

A career from Peterborough withdrew money from the man's account

Author: Victoria HornagoldPublished 6th Apr 2023

Simon Rouse, 50, had been caring for the victim for about nine years.

His job was to help his victim, who had multiple complex needs, with daily tasks, such as withdrawing money needed for food.

In July 2021, a colleague told managers about strange activity on the victim's account.

It showed withdrawals that didn't add up with income and expenditure forms.

It also showed expensive items has been purchased from John Lewis and Amazon, which didn't appear to belong to the victim.

Rouse, of Frederick Drive, Peterborough, was arrested at his home in August 2021.

Designer goods, bank and loan statements and his mobile phone were seized.

Officers soon discovered Rouse was in significant debt.

He pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and sentenced to one year and eight months at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday (April 5).

Detective constable Helen Williams, who investigated, said:

“This was a blatant abuse of trust and position. Rouse took advantage of a vulnerable man who he knew wasn’t able to keep a track of his money.

“Being in debt is no excuse for what he did and he knew he was doing wrong.

“I am glad justice has been done today and hope this brings some comfort and reassurance to the victim.”

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