A Dagenham care worker has been found guilty in court of fraud by false representation and two other offences under the proceeds of Crime Act.
Mrs Ann Nelson, of Farm Road, Rainham, was yesterday 19 February, at Snaresbrook Crown Court sentenced to two years imprisonment (suspended), 15 rehabilitation days and 180 hours unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £40,159.04 to Barking and Dagenham Council under the Proceeds of Crime Act, and costs of £4,597.
Mrs Nelson’s crime came to light when staff from the council’s social care department received a safeguarding alert from the Royal London Hospital, which indicated the resident’s carers had not been attending to his care needs despite timesheets submitted indicating otherwise.
On reviewing the alert, the council’s Assurance Group opened an investigation to establish whether Ann Nelson, and two others, employed to provide care to the resident, had been providing services for which they were claiming and receiving payment.
The agreed care package required carers to visit four times a day – two of the visits require one carer, while the other two visits require two carers.
In order to receive payment for care provided, as part of a Direct Payment arrangement, carers are required to complete timesheets detailing the days and hours worked. The timesheets completed and signed in the names of Ann Nelson, and the two other named carers, were used to support claims for payments to the three carers for providing care services to the resident. The investigation revealed that the timesheets falsely represented the hours of care provided.
Late last year, Mrs Nelson appeared in court, where she pleaded guilty to one act of fraud by False Representation, and to two offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act where the council sought a Confiscation Order of £40159.04.
Cllr Dominic Twomey, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Growth & Core Services, said: “I would like to appreciate the joint work carried out by colleagues across the council in Adult Social Care, George Crouch Centre and staff from the Assurance Group.
“Mrs Nelson was employed by a vulnerable member of the community to provide them with much needed care, and not only did she fail to deliver the expected care, she also fraudulently claimed for hours not worked.
“I think it’s truly despicable and shameful that they would take advantage of someone who trusted them so completely. I’m very pleased justice has been done and they’re not going to be able spend a penny of their ill-gotten gains – they should be hanging their head in shame.”
Mrs Nelson has 56 days to pay the confiscation.
Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health Integration, added: “Direct payments allow vulnerable residents in receipt of social care services to receive cash payments from the council and can give those residents greater flexibility and control over the services they receive.
“To then take advantage of someone who has put so much trust in you is not only reprehensible but unacceptable. I am extremely pleased she has had her day in court and will have to refund the proceeds of her crime.