Woman who stole £71k from own grandfather jailed

Madeline Shaw's fraud was discovered after solicitors noticed money missing from her grandfather's bank accounts

A woman who admitted stealing £71,600 from her grandfather has been jailed.

Madeline Shaw, 32, had legal control over her grandfather's finances and moved a total of £124,600 from his bank account into her own.

She pleaded guilty to fraud in relation to the £71,600. However, she told York Crown Court she had placed a further £53,000 into a property investment for her grandfather's benefit, which had turned out to be a scam.

The plea was accepted by York Crown Court at an earlier hearing, with Shaw sentenced to 18 months in prison.

North Yorkshire Police said the fraud came to light in 2021, following the death of Shaw's grandfather, when solicitors acting for his beneficiaries noticed money missing from his bank accounts.

'Betrayed trust'

Officers discovered that shortly after being given power of attorney, transfers amounting to £99,590 were moved from Shaw's grandfather's bank account into her own account.

This was followed by further transfers of £20,000 to another account, which were then transferred back to Shaw, with further cash withdrawals totalling £4,490 also found.

Shaw, of Borrowby near Thirsk, told police the withdrawals were for the benefit of her grandfather for days out and the refurbishment of his home, however police said no evidence was found to prove that.

A force spokesperson said Shaw also claimed she had asked traders to carry out works at her grandfather's home, but was unable to provide the names, any documentation or any evidence, of the work carried out.

Officers said Shaw also failed to pay care home fees after her grandfather was moved out of his own home.

Shaw's handling of her grandfather's finances were referred to the Office of the Public Guardian, resulting in his accounts being frozen to prevent further loss while police continued their investigation.

Following Thursday's sentencing, PC Emma Harris from the economic crime unit, said: "Madeline Shaw betrayed the trust placed in her to act in her frail grandfather's interests and ensure his money was used for his benefit.

"She has lied about what she did with his money, but thankfully, when faced with the evidence has pleaded guilty and is now facing the consequences."

A proceeds of crime hearing to recover the money is due to be held at a later date

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