Friday, 8 June 2018

Carer Denies Defrauding Disabled Accident Victim Of £5,860

A Trowbridge woman, accused of defrauding a severely disabled accident victim she was caring for of £5,860, has appeared in court for the first time.

Catherine Berry, 29, of Cornbrash Rise, Paxcroft Mead indicated a not guilty plea when she appeared on bail at Wimbledon Magistrates Court in south-west London.

She is charged with fraud by abuse of position between July 27, 2016 and July 10, last year while the carer of Stephen James Burningham, by making unauthorised withdrawals from his accounts.

The court heard Mr. Burningham was involved in a serious road traffic accident in 1992, which left him brain damaged and needing a wheelchair due to weakness to the right side of his body and also suffering shortage of breath and pulmonary issues.

His food needs to be pureed to avoid choking and the magistrates were told he is anxious about personal finances.

The prosecution say Berry, who was employed via Christies Care, withdrew up to £100 a time, which she was not entitled to.

The court declined jurisdiction and bailed Berry to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on July 3.

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