Greedy Carer Looted Vulnerable Client's Account

Greed: So-called 'carer' Subhiraz Sohun

A carer, who emptied the bank account of his middle-aged Down's syndrome client, who also suffers advanced dementia, dodged prison yesterday for his "despicable" crime.

Subhiraz Chandra Sohun, 51, (pictured) of Clensham Lane, Sutton withdrew a total of £2,460 and was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service work.

"What worries me is taking advantage of a vulnerable human being when you have a duty to take care of them and not rob them," announced Croydon Crown Court Recorder Andrew McCooey.

"The nature of the offence is so offensive . The victim was probably not aware of the offence because of their medical condition, but that makes them even more vulnerable."

Father-of-three Sohun pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position between March 27 and April 27, when he used cashpoint machines to make a total of eleven withdrawals from the bank account of 57 year-old Michael Patterson.

The defendant and his wife were paid £2,500 per month under Sutton Council's Shared Living Scheme, which places vulnerable adults into carers homes.

Sohun - known as 'Joe' - banked a total of £35,000 in council payments alone, but greedily stole extra cash top-ups.

"Along with his wife the defendant was the carer of Mr. Patterson and was paid by social services to take care of him," said prosecutor Miss Katherine Selby.

"He had access to his bank accounts and had his PIN so he could buy Mr. Patterson items.

"It was only because Mr. Patterson's sister raised concerns about her brother's finances that there was a police investigation."

When quizzed by officers Sohun admitted withdrawing the cash.

"He said he and his wife needed the money to fund his sister-in-law's divorce in Mauritius and said he had the intention to pay the money back."

Sohun, now unemployed, repaid the money in two instalments.

"Despicable is the word that comes to mind when someone has the benefit of looking after very vulnerable people and abuses that trust," Recorder McCooey told the first-time offender.

"You were the entrusted friend and carer of this person, who looked to you for help, and you took advantage by stealing. It is appalling.

"You now have not just a conviction, but a very horrible conviction that will stain your character for the rest of your life.

"You are extremely lucky you are not going inside. I have just about been persuaded to pass a suspended sentence.

Look after your children, set a good example. They would probably be as disgusted as I am."

Sohun was also ordered to pay £340 costs.