A callous carer rummaged through an elderly woman’s belongings and stole cash while she slept just yards away.
Mandy Masson stole envelopes of cash from the woman’s sheltered housing flat at Janesfield Manor in Aberdeen on two occasions.
On the first occasion, the 50-year-old care worker looked through the pensioner’s things and helped herself to the cash while she was lying in hospital.
And on the second, the brazen thief repeated the despicable behaviour, but while the old woman was sound asleep in bed.
But Masson was caught out by the elderly woman’s son, who had installed a camera in the flat so he could keep an eye on his mum and make sure she was alright.
‘Significant breach of trust’
Fiscal depute Sean Ambrose told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the elderly woman resided at the flat alone.
He explained that, due to her “declining health”, her son had placed a CCTV camera in the hallway to ensure her safety.
The footage could be viewed by him remotely.
Every Sunday, when he visited his mum, the man would leave an envelope containing £39 to pay the cleaners.
At the beginning of November this year, the woman “became very unwell” and was taken into hospital for assessment.
During this time, the cleaners were contacted and told they were not required.
However, when the son visited the flat on November 4, he discovered the last envelope he had left was gone.
On checking the CCTV, Masson, a carer employed by Bon Accord Care at the time, could be seen entering the flat at 11.45am on November 1.
During what had not been a scheduled visit, Masson was seen “rummaging” through the woman’s handbag before leaving,
‘It would appear this led to temptation getting the better of her’
Mr Ambrose said: “Due to not physically seeing the accused remove the envelope, he moved the camera to a better position to capture any other incident.”
On November 6 he left a further envelope containing £39.
He later viewed the CCTV which showed Masson “entering while the lady was sleeping in her bed”.
Mr Ambrose said: “The accused searched through her handbag and coat before picking up the envelope and leaving.”
The police were contacted.
Masson, of Deevale Gardens, Aberdeen, pled guilty to two charges of theft.
Defence agent Lynn Bentley said her client had no previous convictions.
She said Masson had initially denied the offence to police but, on being cautioned and charged, “broke down” and said: “I’m so sorry. I’m definitely going to pay her back.”
Ms Bentley explained that, on the second occasion, Masson had been scheduled to look in, but that she had no reason to be there on the first occasion.
She went on: “That employment has obviously come to an end and she will not be able to return to such employment.”
Care firm ‘deeply upset’ over incident
Ms Bentley said her client was “ashamed” and “apologetic”.
The solicitor added: “She has a number of financial issues and it would appear this led to temptation getting the better of her and the money being removed.
“She will do her very best to make sure the money is repaid.”
Sheriff Ian Wallace said the matter was a “significant breach of trust” and had had a “very serious impact” on the elderly woman and her son.
He deferred sentence on Masson for background reports but warned her she would be required to pay compensation to her victim in due course.
A spokesman for Bon Accord Care said: “Bon Accord Care is aware of the incident in question and was deeply upset to hear this.
“We cooperated fully with the appropriate authorities as part of the investigation when required and this person no longer works for us.”
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