Carer Steals Hundreds from 94-Year-Old in Shocking Betrayal
Melanie Stanbridge, 46, of Maybridge Square, Worthing, has been jailed for defrauding a vulnerable 94-year-old woman in her care. While the pensioner was believed to be spending just £30 a week on shopping, Stanbridge regularly withdrew hundreds of pounds from her bank account.
Suspicious Behaviour Triggers Investigation
Concerns about Stanbridge’s conduct first emerged in October 2020. She was immediately suspended and arrested. After skipping her plea hearing, she faced a further arrest before finally pleading guilty to fraud by abuse of position on October 31.
27 Months Behind Bars for Ruthless Theft
Brighton Crown Court handed Stanbridge a 27-month prison sentence on December 13. Detective Constable Jordan Holmes slammed her actions: “Melanie Stanbridge took advantage of an elderly woman she was supposed to be taking care of, brazenly using her debit card at every opportunity and depositing these large sums of money into her own bank account.”
He added, “I welcome her sentence and thank my colleagues for their unwavering determination to ensure that justice was served.”
Police Warn Public to Report Abuse
Detective Holmes urged the public to stay vigilant: “Sussex Police will always deal with opportunistic criminals robustly, and I urge the public to continue reporting any such instances to us at the earliest opportunity.”
