The boss of a charity campaigning to stamp out abuse of pensioners has condemned the 12 month sentence handed out to Pearl Dewar as too lenient.
In the wake of the trial, Dewar’s mother Jane Gall urged others to seek help from aid workers to put a stop to similar thefts.
And last night Lesley Carcary, director of action for Elder Abuse Scotland, called on stiffer sentences to be handed out for family members who abuse trust placed in them.
She said: “Unfortunately, cases like this are all too common.
“When older people are financially abused these crimes are often perpetrated by the people who are supposed to love them and care for them.
“This makes it even harder for older people to speak up and seek redress through the legal system.
“This sort of betrayal is hugely traumatic for the victims and while we’re pleased Pearl Dewar received a custodial sentence, we don’t think 12 months quite matches the severity of the crime.
“Better deterrents are needed to help prevent cases like this happening in the future.”
Anyone affected by financial abuse as an older person can contact Action on Elder Abuse’s Scottish helpline by phoning 080 8808 8141.
