A carer who fleeced an elderly and vulnerable Locks Heath man out of almost £5,000 of his savings has been jailed.
Wade Anthony Lander “systematically” stole £4,753.70 from 91-year-old Arthur Wapples over a three month period during 2012.
Lander, 22, from Bedford Drive in Fareham, was jailed for nine months when he appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court. He had admitted 18 counts of theft from Mr Wapples.
Lander had been looking after Mr Wapples for a year, but stole cash – in amounts ranging from £100 to £500 at a time – from the pensioner between June 29 and September 11 last year.
Mr Wapples, whose health was declining, put his trust in Lander and, according to police, has been left distraught by the situation.
PC Rob Bakewell from Park Gate police station, who investigated the case, said: “Lander was employed in a position of trust to offer support to the victim. The abuse of this position was thankfully uncovered which allowed us to investigate and identify the person responsible.
“The sentencing will come as a relief to the victim who has been left very upset by the events.”
Lander initially worked as a carer for Mr Wapples when he was living in his own home and would see him four times a day. Tammy Mears, prosecuting said that when Mr Wapples moved to supporting care home The Firs in Church Road, Locks Heath, Lander continued to visit him “as a friend” for about two hours a day.
The thefts came to light when Mr Wapples’ two bank account statements were checked by staff at The Firs in order to work out how he would pay their bills. It became clear that Lander had had access to the accounts.
Lander, who had mounting debts, systemically stole from the pensioner, but when interviewed by police said he was helping Mr Wapples make the bank account transactions to pay for the care home bills.
Subsequently Lander later admitted he had taken the money.
Berenice Mulvanny, defending, told Portsnouth Crown Court that Lander had taken full responsibility for the thefts, was remorseful and did not blame anyone for his actions.
“He’s absolutely disgusted with himself and ashamed to find himself in front of your honour today,” she said. “I don’t say this to be melodramatic but he has ruined his life. He has no support. He has learnt his lesson.”
In sentencing Lander to nine months in prison Judge Patrick Hooton said: “You have systematically stolen over £4,500 from someone who is over 90.
“Those people who are responsible for caring for the vulnerable must realise that if they think they can breach that serious trust they have to pay the consequences.”
Mr Wapples has been reimbursed by one of his banks for £2,250, but is still awaiting a reimbursement from the other.