Cruel carer stole thousands from OAP in sheltered housing complex
A carer who stole £8,000 from a vulnerable pensioner at the sheltered housing complex where she worked has been spared jail.
Gaynor Ewart siphoned money out of the account of the 81-year-old, who has cognitive and mobility issues, for more than a year.
She used the OAP's bank card to make withdrawals from ATMs while she was on shift at the sheltered housing complex in question, in Glasgow's Thornliebank area.
And she splurged the cash on designer clothing, trainers and holidays, before her scheme fell apart.
As well as posting selfies on social media of her on planes abroad, she also posted pictures of holidays, including a trip to Disneyland.
The alarm was raised when the victim tried to withdraw £200 and there were insufficient funds in her account.
She previously pleaded guilty to stealing the sum of £8,000 between June 1, 2022, and June 17, 2023.
Sentencing had been adjourned for background reports to be prepared and Ewart returned to the dock today, Thursday, September 17, 2026, to learn her fate.
Prosecutor Loretta McHardy told Paisley Sheriff Court: "At the time of the offence, the accused was employed as a carer and the complainer was 81 years old and residing in sheltered housing.
"She suffers from cognitive impairment, poor mobility and requires four visits per day from carers.
"In June 2023 she attempted to withdraw £200 but was unable to do so due to insufficient funds.
"The account should have held pension and savings.
"This was reported to the housing case manager, who met the complainer's daughter to review bank statements.
"The housing care manager cross checked dates of withdrawals against staff rotas.
"It was established that on 99% of the withdrawal dates, the accused was on duty."
Police were contacted and Ewart admitted what she had done, revealing she had stashed £1,200 of the £8,000 she had withdrawn in the woman's home.
It was inside a yellow tin in a kitchen in the woman's cupboard, and the pensioner had no idea it was there.
Defence solicitor Mark Johnstone said: "There was an element of financial desperation and this led to exceptionally poor decision making."
He said he knew she could be jailed over the crime but had "fallen on her sword as it were and would comply with any and all non-custodial disposals".
Sheriff Janys Scott KC said: "This is the deliberate theft of an old lady's money over a period of time - it really is pretty dire.
"You defrauded an old lady, who was 81 years old and who was vulnerable, of her money.
"You abused your position as a carer to take her money.
"You have exposed yourself to a period of custody - it is well past the threshold.
"I am prepared to impose a non-custodial sentence on you."
After hearing that Ewart, of Glasgow, had landed a new job, Sheriff Scott KC allowed her to take up the role, so she can use the money to pay her victim back.
She said: "I will impose a compensation requirement for the whole sum of £8,000 at the rate of £250-per-month.
"I was particularly swayed by the fact that you've got a job and are able to repay this old lady what you've taken from her."
She also placed her on a Community Payback Order which will see her supervised by social workers for three years and having to carry out 280 hours of unpaid work.
And she was warned she could still be jailed over the crime if she does not comply with her punishment.
Ewart refused to apologise to her victim or comment outside court and hid her face with her hood when photographed.
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