Thieving Ex-NHS Carer Dodges Jail Yet Again

A disgraced ex-NHS carer, who stole cash from the “extremely vulnerable” 72 year-old man she was looking after, has received her second suspended prison sentence.

Bibi Leeming, 62, of Shifford Path, Perry Vale, Lewisham deliberately short-changed the victim, who has severe learning difficulties, after he entrusted her with his money.

The prosecution were forced to drop a charge of stealing £11,793 because of evidential difficulties and she pleaded guilty to the theft of £130 from Orpington OAP Trevor McDowall on December 13, 2011.

Leeming was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, ordered to perform 150 hours community service and banned from working with vulnerable adults for a year.

Four years ago she was sentenced to four months, suspended for two years, after a £12,381 swindle on the NHS when she moonlighted in a similar carer's job while receiving sick pay from Bromley Primary Trust.

Prosecutor Mr. Tim Forster told Croydon Crown Court: “Mr. McDowell is an extremely vulnerable gentleman and the defendant started to care for him in the summer of 2009, not long after she was sentenced for dishonesty.

“She was paid by Mr. McDowell on a private basis and made weekly trips with him to the shops and bank to withdraw funds for his living expenses.”

Staff at the victim's residential home became suspicious Leeming was stealing thousands of pounds and a “sting operation” was executed by Bromley Police's Safeguarding Adults at Risk team.

“They took care to note the serial numbers of the banknotes in Mr. McDowell's flat and with the co-operation of the Nationswide, the numbers to be issued from his account,” explained Mr. Forster.

Leeming withdrew £400 cash and was later arrested at Mr. McDowell's flat.

“The money on her was examined and she had a mixture of notes. Some of it was cash from Mr. McDowell's tin, some from the Nationwide and some of her own.”

Leeming had given the victim only £270 change for the £400.

The victim was dreading giving evidence on the charge Leeming stole £11,793 during the five months she worked for him.

“Mr. McDowall was extremely relieved when told about her guilty plea,” said Mr. Forster.

The court heard Leeming has always worked as a carer and previous employers include the Leonard Cheshire Disability Group and the Bromley Autistic Trust.

She was said to be “ashamed by her behaviour” and is currently on anti-depressants.