Worthing man found guilty of stealing more than £140,000 from his disabled sister
He had power of attorney over her after she had suffered a series of strokes
A man from Worthing has been convicted of stealing almost £140,000 from his disabled sister.
Graeme Brooker had power of attorney over Cheryl, who was left mentally and physically impaired following a series of strokes.
The 54-year-old, of Vale Avenue, took over her bank account in 2013 before stealing large sums of money, including monthly transfers of more than £1,000 referenced under ‘cleaner’, ‘gardener’ and ‘laundry/shopping’.
He also made cheques to himself from her account to pay off his own credit cards and claimed carer’s allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions, totalling more than £11,500.
Cheryl sold her house so she could build a new house for herself in Brooker's garden, but he refused to allow her to move in unless she signed a contract giving him control over who visited and assurance the property would be his upon her death.
Family members became aware of his crimes after Cheryl realised her bank account was empty in 2019.
Brooker was subsequently charged with three counts of theft and a lengthy trial period followed, during which Brooker’s defence attempted to prove Cheryl was unfit to be cross-examined.
After over a year of tests and assessments ruled she was fit to give evidence, the defence team declined to cross-examine her.
At Chichester Crown Court on Thursday, December 1, Brooker was found guilty of two charges and released on conditional bail ahead of sentencing.
He is due to be sentenced at Chichester Crown Court on Friday, January 13, 2023.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Noel Simmonds said: “This case is a timely reminder, during Disability History Month, of the incredible strength and resilience seemingly vulnerable people can show.
“Court cases are not easy for anybody, and for Cheryl to have supported the prosecution through years of delays and the indignity of having to prove she was fit to give evidence shows an incredible grit and determination.
“Graeme Brooker took advantage of his sister’s trust and the privileged position in which he was placed, showing no regard for her wellbeing while pursuing his own ends.
“I hope this verdict helps to restore in some part Cheryl’s belief in herself as the tough and indomitable person she has always been, and to restore to some extent her faith in others.”