A 50-year-old woman who stole a total of $15,800 (£12,100) from a teen has been ordered to pay only $6.
50 (£5).
Marcia Carrod, a foster mother, helped herself to the cash from the vulnerable teenager’s bank account and went on shopping sprees.
She spent money on home decorations, supermarkets, restaurant dining, and car finance.
Carrod was put in charge of the teen’s finances as she had a range of learning difficulties, the Swansea Crown Court heard.
Prosecutor Sophie Hill said: “Carrod received training on what she was, and was not, allowed to do with the money. Despite this training, Carrod used thousands of pounds of the teenager’s money for her own and her family’s purposes.”
A total of $15,800 ((£12,00) was taken from the teen’s account. More than $500 was spent on car finance, over $650 was spent on restaurant meals, $120 on home decorations, $780 on groceries, $260 on petrol, and over $2,600 in withdrawals.
The court heard that the teenager had a range of medical problems, including attention hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and global developmental delay.
Carrod pleaded guilty to fraud by abusing her position.
David Singh, defending, stated: “Carrod accepts that there has been an appalling breach of trust and a complete mismanagement of the complainant’s money and that the vast majority of the financial transactions should not have occurred.
“It is highly unlikely she will ever be able to work in a fostering or caring role again.”
Judge Paul Thomas also said: “All in all your conduct was greedy and cynically callous. You stand before the court as a thoroughly dishonest woman who took advantage of that young woman for your own ends.”
Carrod was sentenced to jail for eight months, suspended for a year and ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work.
She was also given 28 days to pay the $6.50 or face seven days in jail.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Replaced!