A carer was given a suspended sentence after she conned an elderly woman of more than £13,000.
Effat Chowdhury, aged 28, of Burlington Road, Chiswick West London, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 12, on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at Isleworth Crown Court.
Chowdhury was employed as a carer for the 87-year-old who lived on her own in Chiswick, after answering an online advert placed by the daughter in February 2017
Chowdhury was employed to take her out to the local shops and hairdressers a couple of times a week, for a total of three to four hours.
Chowdhury quickly gained the trust of the elderly woman, who then gave her access to her bank card and PIN number so she could make cash withdrawals on her behalf.
In May 2017, the victim began to notice suspicious transactions on her bank statements which she then passed on to her daughter.
The woman’s daughter discovered numerous online purchases which had been made, despite the fact that the victim did not own a computer or know how to use one.
She informed the police and detectives began an investigation.
It was soon revealed that Chowdhury had used the victim’s card to buy items for herself.
Chowdhury had bought a new kitchen and bathroom for her house as well as furniture and toys for her children.
The court heard that Chowdhury had conned the woman out of her life savings which totalled £13,572 over a period of three months.
Detective Constable Nicholas Strachan said: “Chowdhury cynically abused her position of trust by preying on an elderly woman who had come to care for her and saw her as a friend.
She was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment which was suspended for 12 months. Chowdhury was also ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and to pay £1,200 in compensation.
DC Strachan added: “We are pleased she has now admitted to her callous actions and hope this serves as some comfort to the victim and her family.”
