Carer who stole £10k from woman with dementia jailed

Danielle Houghton pleaded guilty to theft and fraud by false representation

A "despicable" carer who admitted stealing almost £10,000 from a 91-year-old woman with dementia and spending it on gambling websites, alcohol and cigarettes has been jailed.

Danielle Houghton was caring for the victim's bed bound husband who was 92 when she stole his wife's bank card and started her spending spree in November 2023.

The 32-year-old, of Buttermere Road, Lancaster, only stopped when the woman's children noticed the transactions and reported their concerns, Lancashire Police said.

She was sentenced to two years and nine months behind bars at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to theft and fraud by false representation.

Both the victim and her husband died during the course of the investigation.

'Frail and vulnerable'

Her son described in court how his mother, who has since died, "knew something bad had happened" but could not remember what and went to the grave "haunted by a distress she couldn't resolve".

"She carried that desolate anxiety to her grave, unable to quietly enjoy the tranquillity of her home and garden in her final months, haunted by a distress she couldn't resolve," he said.

"Danielle Houghton's criminal actions have also regrettably tarnished the reputation of care providers in a sector already facing immense challenges."

Houghton stole a total of £9,773 with much of it withdrawn from cash machines, and tried to take a further £800.

She also spent the money on trips to tanning shops, Netflix and Amazon Prime subscriptions, items from Sports Direct, KFC, petrol, and general shopping.

The victim's daughter told the court: "Sadly, mum didn't live to know that the person who defrauded her of almost £10,000 eventually met justice.

"Instead, this fiercely independent but ultimately vulnerable 91-year-old lady died knowing that she couldn't trust those coming into her house to help care for her bed-bound husband."

Det Con Peter Bennett said: "Houghton's selfish actions against a vulnerable lady are despicable."