Cruel carer caught stealing wedding rings from dementia suffer to buy Christmas gifts

A care worker who defrauded a string of elderly women with severe dementia – and stole a wedding and engagement ring from one – has been jailed for more than four years.

Amy Bassett targeted exceptionally vulnerable victims to defraud them out of sentimental items and several thousands of pounds, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Her victims were women who needed significant levels of care and support, police said.

The court was told how Bassett, who was a care worker when she carried out the crimes, demonstrated a sustained pattern of offending. She had been convicted in April.

After a 100-year-old woman with severe dementia moved out of her home in Bath into a care home, Bassett, who had regularly visited her, tried to pay a fake cheque for a significant amount into a bank account. The transaction was stopped by the bank before any money was transferred.

Bassett also fraudulently opened a credit card account in the victim’s name, arranging for repayments to be taken from the victim’s personal bank account, leading to what police said was “a substantial” financial loss.

At a care home in a village in the Bath and North East Somerset area, Bassett stole the engagement ring and wedding ring of a woman in her late seventies with advanced dementia who required 24-hour care.

The rings were sold at a pawnbroker to raise money for Bassett to buy Christmas presents.

The 33-year-old, from St Georges Road, Keynsham, admitted one count of dwelling theft and three counts of fraud by false representation, and was sentenced to 52 months in prison.

Detectives said the emotional impact on the victims’ families of the crimes – from January to December 2024 – had been significant, particularly since the stolen items included sentimental jewellery of considerable personal value, and the financial abuse involved substantial sums of money.

Avon and Somerset Police said the families had been offered specialist support.

Investigating officer PC Samantha Nation said the long, complex investigation uncovered “a persistent pattern of offending against some of the most vulnerable members of our community”.

She said: “Over an extended period, the defendant repeatedly targeted elderly women suffering from dementia, exploiting their age, medical conditions and reliance on others in order to commit fraud and theft for personal financial gain.

“These offences were made all the more serious by the abuse of trust involved and the deliberate targeting of individuals who were unable to protect themselves.”

Thanking victims’ families for their patience and support, she went on: “While no sentence can undo the harm caused to these victims and their families, I welcome the outcome at court.

“I hope this conviction sends a clear message that those who seek to exploit vulnerable people, particularly elderly individuals who depend upon others for their care and wellbeing, will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable for their actions.”