Care agency worker jailed

The directors of a long established family-run home care agency today said justice had been done after a former member of staff was sent to prison.

Melanie Harris, from Fremington, had denied fraud when she appeared before Exeter Crown Court last year.

The case was adjourned for reports and today Harris was jailed for two and a half years by Philip Mott QC who described her as dishonest and mean.

Harris (44) stole thousands of pounds over a period of four years from Edward Carter who lived in North Devon.

Emily Whittaker, a Director and Registered Care Manager of Cygnet Care (Devon) Limited, said that although the incident had been upsetting, she was pleased the case had been resolved.

She said: “We were devastated when the crime came to light but thankful that our policies and strict procedures helped to expose the wrongdoing.

“These were the actions of one individual and someone we had previously trusted. Mrs Harris had been a member of the team for nine years and had not once caused us any concern prior to this incident.”

Miss Whittaker said that the whistle-blowing policies that the company had in place and the swift action taken once the crime was discovered had helped bring Harris to justice.

Mr Mott QC said it was difficult to put a precise figure on the amount Harris had stolen but it amounted to thousands of pounds and probably £50,000.

He told Harris “This was multiple offending over a sustained period of time. Your dishonesty is nothing less than mean.”

The court heard Harris used Mr Carter's bank card for numerous purchases in shops in Barnstaple, Bideford, Tiverton, South Molton and Exeter.

Mr Carter, from Barnstaple, who suffered from cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, epilepsy and other serious illnesses, has died since the police started their investigation but the jury was shown a DVD of his statement.

Harris, aged 44, of Elmlea, Fremington, Barnstaple, had denied fraud saying Mr Carter authorised the expenditure.