An elderly abuse charity has praised a sheriff for taking action to ensure a pensioner who was the victim of theft gets his money back.
Carer Rosemarie Morrison of Dunbeg stole a total of £4,300 from a disabled 71-year-old after he trusted her with his bank card.
At Oban Sheriff Court on Tuesday, Sheriff Patrick Hughes gave 35-year-old Morrison three months to come up with a plan to pay back Archibald Simpson.
Mr Simpson, who has been disabled since birth, lives in Oban, where Morrison had visited him when she worked as a carer for Carr Gomm.
The charity Action on Elder Abuse Scotland aims to protect and prevent the abuse of vulnerable older people.
Lesley Carcary, director, said: “We were saddened to read this story, though we applaud the actions of Sheriff Patrick Hughes in ensuring that the perpetrator pays back the money she stole.
“Unfortunately, these cases are very common and most don’t even get to court.
“Older people are extremely vulnerable to abuse, and, as this case shows, these crimes cast a long shadow – leaving older people feeling like they can’t trust anyone and sometimes even triggering a descent into terminal decline.
“Older people who are being abused often feel like they have nowhere to turn, but they shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. Our freephone Scottish helpline on 080 8808 8141 provides confidential information, advice and support to victims of elder abuse, as well as others who are concerned about or have witnessed abuse, neglect or financial exploitation.”
Morrison pleaded guilty to using Mr Simpson’s debit card to steal thousands of pounds between June 12 and 20.
Sentence was deferred to November 7.