Man stole £27,000 from elderly aunt suffering from Alzheimer's

A man stole £27,000 from his elderly aunt who suffers from Alzheimer’s.

John Neilson, 44, took the cash by using the woman’s bank card at ATM machines between November 2021 and September 2022.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Neilson was allowed to be a financial guardian for the 83-year-old, who lives in a care home in the city.

As part of the process, Neilson was required to submit an “inventory” of his aunt’s account to the Office of the Public Guardian.

He also signed a legal declaration for integrity reasons that his and his aunt’s finances would be kept separate.

As of December 15, 2021, an inventory of the woman’s account was not received.

Two reminders were sent – one of which was partially responded to with a bank statement and covering letter. Another letter in July 2022 was not responded to.

Prosecutor Victoria Keel said: “Concerns were raised about Neilson by the Offices of the Public Guardian about spending on the account as it did not reflect [the woman].

“The Offices thought that she was not receiving benefit of her funds and was at risk of financial exploitation.”

The Bank of Scotland put safeguards on the account which stopped Neilson’s access to it on September 9, 2022.

Ms Keel stated that the depleted figure from the account was £27,614.52.

Neilson was asked to account for the expenditure but no response was received.

The matter was then raised with the police and Neilson was arrested.

He acknowledged that he had sole possession of his aunt’s bank account.

The hearing was told that the money had been paid back through an insurance company.

The first offender, from Tollcross, pled guilty to embezzlement on Tuesday.

Sentencing was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Joan Kerr who granted Neilson bail meantime.