A shocking moment when a carer stole supplies from a bedridden Multiple sclerosis patient has been surfing the internet after the patient’s suspicious family caught the culprit in action using hidden cameras.
The 42-year-old carer, Claire Jones, was busted while picking up various household supplies and placing them in a plastic bag before wrapping it all in her coat and taking off.
Claire was looking after 49-year-old bed-bound Anita Dubique-Ashton when she took the liberty to take stuff from her home.
Fortunately, however, he ill-gotten intentions were short-lived, as her act got caught on camera by Anita’s husband, Steve Ashton, who was suspecting that someone was stealing from his home.
When Jones appeared in the court, she pleaded guilty to three counts of theft in order to avoid jail time. After the trial, Steve explained he was first suspecting his children of stealing after some cash and groceries went missing.
“We were initially concerned that one of our children had been stealing from us which hurt,” Mr. Ashton said.
“But on further review, I determined that for some of the thefts only Claire had the opportunity. I set my laptop to record the area where my work bag was situated.
“I had purposely put two-pound coins in a plastic money bag and a five-pound note into the pocket of my work bag.
“I reviewed the laptop’s recording later that day – Claire was seen searching through all the pockets of my work bag.
“She would have had no reason to go into my bag, she initially walked away without taking anything to later return and take the bag with the two pounds.”
He continued: “The camera showed that this wasn’t theft when an opportunity arose. It was predatory behavior where the personal assistant was checking coat pockets and bags.”
Claire was arrested soon after the recording was taken and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for one year. She will also be forced to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work as well as pay $1,000 in court costs.
“It was a reckless and silly decision and the gain to herself was minimal. She took £7 in cash and the goods totalled £13,” Claire’s attorney said while adding that Jones feels “disgusted in herself.”
The judge, however, slammed the thief saying she took advantage of a weaker person.
“This shows a woman who has spent a large part of her life looking after those in need and the hurtful part of this case is she was regarded as a close friend by Mrs Dubique-Ashton. It is a very gross breach of trust,” the judge said.
What are your thoughts on this case? Let us know if you agree with her punishment and don’t forget to SHARE this post!