A YOUNG mum has been handed a suspended prison sentence after stealing from an elderly man she was caring for.

On Monday, October 2, 2023, Olivia Hannah is reported to have stolen thousands of pounds from the home of John Shwenn in Widnes.

The family says that the money had been left out in John's bedroom in preparation for a family holiday, to celebrate his 90th birthday and wedding anniversary to wife Christina.

After pleading guilty to stealing £2,000, Hannah, of Margaret Court in Widnes, appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 6.

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Suspended sentence

Magistrates noted that the case indicated a "significant breach of trust" that involved a "significant amount of loss" for Mr Shwenn. It is also reported to have caused "psychological harm" and "temporary mental anxiety" to the 91-year-old.

The Liverpool Echo reported that a further £4,000 was disputed to have been taken by Hannah, but she maintained that she had only taken £2,000. Information from the court listing states that it is "difficult for the Court to ascertain the exact loss in this case".

Taking all factors into consideration, magistrates handed Hannah, who was employed by the St Helens based Premier Care Ltd at the time, a six month prison sentence.

However, as the 19-year-old has recently given birth and has a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation", magistrates suspended this sentence for 18 months.

'Ruined his trust in people'

Speaking to the Star, John's son David, who is the owner of the Smithy Manor site on Jubits Lane, said: "My dad can't let go what happened to him. He's 91-year-old and it won't switch off in his head.

"My mum and dad bought Olivia gifts for her new baby so there is definitely still a mental scar there.

"It's completely ruined his trust in people."

In addition to the stolen £2,000 that was returned to the Shwenn family, 91-year-old John was also awarded £1,000 in compensation.

He has since been sent £4,000 by Primary Care for the disputed money that went missing, and separate staff members from Primary Care still provide care to Mr and Mrs Shwenn.

'We take these matters very seriously'

A spokeswoman for Premier Care said: “The safety and wellbeing of our service users is our utmost priority.

"All our workers are rigorously vetted and DBS checked, and it’s upsetting to learn a care worker working for us, with no previous conviction, has been found guilty of theft.

"We take these matters very seriously. The worker in question has been dismissed, and we have undertaken a full review to ensure no other service users have been affected. 

"In the meantime, we wish to express our sincerest regrets to the couple affected.

"We have transferred the additional £4,000 to the couple, and we want to reassure them and other service users this is one isolated incident concerning one staff member whose behaviour has fallen far short of our expectations and company values. 

"We conduct regular training with staff to remind them of these high expectations and values, and that any such matters will be treated seriously.”