Woman stole £200k from mum with dementia

Dougherty admitted taking advantage of her mum's vulnerability to steal the money

A woman has been jailed for stealing more than £200,000 from her mother, who has dementia.

Luana Dougherty, of Great Sutton, Cheshire, had been confronted by family members after 12 months of frivolous spending, police said.

The 50-year-old admitted fraud by false representation after setting up online banking for her mother's account just after the sale of her house.

She was given a four-year prison sentence at Chester Crown Court.

In June 2021, Dougherty’s mother sold the property and the money went into her account.

Dougherty was given some of the cash but she then took more without permission.

Over the following year, Dougherty reportedly spent stolen money on setting up a dog breeding business, two Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs, and other items such as furniture.

When her family contacted the bank about the situation, it confirmed withdrawals had been made in various amounts.

'Selfish desires'

When interviewed by police, Dougherty admitted taking advantage of her mother’s vulnerability to defraud her.

Dougherty transferred £80,000 back but more than £216,000 was unaccounted for.

After Monday's sentencing, Det Con Chester Ward said: “Firstly, I would like to highlight our appreciation for the victim’s family’s patience, not only throughout the investigation into Dougherty’s offending, but also in providing evidence to support it.

“Dougherty completely abused her position. Instead of being someone the victim could trust to take care of her, she stole money from her for her own selfish desires."

He urged people to "be vigilant" and check on vulnerable family members.