Support worker 'stole £8,000 from woman in her care' court hears

10:19am Wednesday 7th May 2008

A SUPPORT worker stole more than £8,000 from a woman with physical and learning difficulties who was under her care, jurors heard.

Marie Hallisey, 38, stole the cash after using her PIN number while they were out together, it was alleged.

Prosecutor Tim Moores outlined how the victim, Lara O'Brien, aged 28, was living in specialist accommodation in Southampton where she received help from various agencies.

Hallisey, employed by the Southampton Care Association, looked after her on two days a week when their routine included them going to the cafe and food shopping.

"On occasions she bought things for herself but didn't spend a great deal of money," he told the court.

But a key worker filing and organising her bank statements, noticed she had a much lower balance than anticipated and on closer inspection realised a significant number of cash withdrawals of up to £250 had been made on a regular basis.

"She also noticed the majority of the withdrawals were on the Monday and Wednesday when Miss O'Brien was in the care of the defendant. Her suspicions were aroused and an investigation began."

Mr Moores said because of her physical difficulties, Miss O'Brien could only make withdrawals from low cash machines, but when they were higher, she gave Hallisey her PIN number to take the money, which she later stole from her purse.

Hallisey, of Linford Crescent, Southampton, denies two counts of stealing £8,060 but has pleaded guilty to a third charge of stealing £290 from two withdrawals.

Proceeding