A 91-year-old woman suffering from dementia experienced fear as a result of a theft where a mother and daughter stole over £2,300 from her bank account. Queenie Watts, who lived alone and depended on daily caregivers, fell victim to Kathleen Perry and Siobhan Perry after her bank card was taken from her residence in Maidstone, Kent. The duo misused the card for cash withdrawals and shopping sprees, purchasing various items such as cigarettes, vapes, trainers, and a Samsung phone.
During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, it was revealed that Kathleen, 61, battled heroin addiction, while her daughter Siobhan, 43, struggled with crack cocaine addiction. Both women had recently been released from prison. The court sentenced them to a combined four-year imprisonment for exploiting the vulnerable elderly pensioner. Prosecutor Caroline Baker emphasized Miss Watts’ heightened vulnerability due to her age and Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
The incident came to light when Miss Watts reported to her family that a woman accompanied by a child visited her, inquired about money, and took around £70. Subsequently, Kathleen appeared at her residence while her nephew Anthony Stevens was present, claiming she needed the pensioner’s bank card for repayment. Anthony’s suspicions were raised, and despite requesting identification, Kathleen forcibly took the card, stating she urgently needed to resolve the matter before fleeing.
Despite prompt action to notify the bank, the card was utilized for fraudulent transactions, resulting in a total of £2,303 being withdrawn from Miss Watts’ account. The perpetrators withdrew £250 from a Tesco ATM, made purchases totaling £370 at JD Sports, and acquired a £220 Samsung phone. Although Miss Watts could not provide a statement to the police, her niece testified that she remembers the incident and continues to mention the woman she believed was kind to her.
The family expressed deep concern over the impact on Miss Watts, noting her heightened fear of answering the door and reluctance to allow genuine caregivers into her home. Sara Stevens, describing her aunt’s fragile state, expressed distress over the potential mental and physical health consequences of the crime. Miss Watts was forced to leave her home of 20 years as a result of the ordeal, exacerbating her distress. Santander refunded the entire sum taken.
Kathleen Perry, residing in Park Wood, Maidstone, admitted to burglary, 15 counts of fraud by false representation, and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order. Siobhan Perry from Maidstone confessed to eight counts of fraud by false representation. In defense of Kathleen, Niall Doherty mentioned her drug-free lifestyle until her daughter’s arrival, after which she relapsed to fund her heroin habit. Siobhan’s defense, presented by Philip Hill, attributed her actions to drug influence and blamed her mother for allowing the card’s use.
Recorder Clive Broe, presiding over the case, criticized the defendants for their deliberate and heartless exploitation of a vulnerable elderly individual. Kathleen received a three-year and three-month prison sentence, while Siobhan was sentenced to nine months. Sara, speaking on behalf of the family outside the court, emphasized the need for the defendants to reform and make amends for the distress caused.