Caregiver Jailed for Trying to Kill Disabled Woman to Hide £100k Fraud
A 62-year-old man has been locked up for nearly 12 years after attempting to murder a disabled woman to cover up stealing over £100,000 from her.
Attempted Murder Using Pillow at Victim’s Home
Barry Andrew Riley, from East Morton, West Yorkshire, tried to smother 75-year-old Ann Skelton with a pillow at her Westbury-on-Trym home on 10 March 2018. Riley was her carer and held Power of Attorney over her finances.
Despite being unable to speak due to a degenerative condition, Ms Skelton bravely used a buzzer to summon help, and care staff found her slumped beside her bed.
Riley Convicted of Attempted Murder and Fraud
Bristol Crown Court heard Riley’s claim that he was performing a “mercy killing” was a lie. He went there intending to kill Ms Skelton to hide his theft.
“This was a cold and calculating attack on a woman unable to defend herself,” said Detective Sergeant Craig Basil. “Even on the day he tried to kill Ann, Riley withdrew more cash from her account.”
Victim Dies Months Later, But No Link Found to Attack
Ms Skelton passed away in hospital months after the attack. A post-mortem found no connection between her death and the attempted murder.
DS Basil thanked Ms Skelton’s family for their support during the investigation and hoped the sentencing would bring them some closure.
