A 'calculating' care home manager has been sentenced after stealing more than £5,000 from a disabled resident, using the money for hair appointments, clothes from QVC, and even mortgage payments.
Gillian Harper, 60, of Fairlight Grove, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, admitted fraud by abuse of position after taking a total of £5,452.70 from the woman between November 2024 and March 2025. The thefts came to light when the Care Quality Commission raised concerns over financial issues at the care home in Derby.
Investigation uncovers unauthorised spending
The investigation, centred around one of the residents, exposed Harper's unauthorised use of the woman's bank account. Harper used the vulnerable resident's money for vets fees, mortgage payments, mobile phone bills and Amazon purchases, as well as withdrawing cash on several occasions.
The resident, who was not aware of any of the transactions, confirmed she had not given permission for her money or bank cards to be used. In her first interview, Harper claimed she had used the bank card by mistake or had bought items at the resident's request. However, in a second interview, she admitted using the card for several purchases, saying she was drinking heavily at the time and struggling with her mental health.
Court sentencing and compensation
When Harper appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court, she was jailed for 40 weeks, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to pay £5,452.70 in compensation and a £1,250 fine.
Detective Constable Calum Marrows, who led the investigation for Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “This was an horrendous breach of trust by Gillian Harper who was employed to look after vulnerable and disabled people such as this woman.
“Instead she repeatedly stole from her, in a calculating and deliberate series of acts, knowing full well that she did not have permission to use this woman’s card or take her money.
“Harper’s actions have left this woman understandably distressed and it will inevitably take her some time to come to terms with what has happened to her. I hope that Harper re-evaluates her life and changes her ways so that no-one else has to deal with the consequences of her actions.”
