Pensioner defrauded of over £125,000 by carer who splashed money on luxury holiday

For almost two years, she would regularly visit the pensioner in Blyth, Northumberland and make transfers out of his current and savings accounts. By the time she was arrested in April 2021, both were completely emptied and overdrawn.

A large chunk of the money - £93,637 - came from three drawdowns from a lifetime mortgage product which was secured against Woodward’s home.

The money was released into the pensioner’s account, before it was later transferred into the 57-year-old’s at her request.

Between her appointment as power of attorney in May 2018, and her arrest in April 2021, she incurred net gambling losses of £108,251.91.

The 57-year-old also booked a £7,000 holiday for her family to Turkey - though due to Covid, it was cancelled.

Hill was handed a six-year prison sentence at Nottingham Crown Court, having previously been found guilty of committing multiple frauds.

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Sending her to prison, Judge Mark Watson said: “This was a betrayal of the very significant trust placed in you. You deliberately targeted him because of his vulnerabilities.

“You took what you wanted, when you wanted it, stripping him of his life savings and then trying to take even more.”

She was arrested after one of Woodward’s “vigilant” friends became concerned for the pensioner. Hill denied any wrongdoing, stating that the OAP had chosen to give her £60,000 as a gift. The 57-year-old also said that she received money to pay his bills.

However, Woodward’s own account differed greatly from this. Discussing the matter with police in a video interview, he said he only gave Hill money to assist her with her travel.

This included money for petrol, car repair bills, and he once loaned her the funds required to purchase a new car.

Besides this, he said he only granted Hill permission to use his money when it was of his benefit, such as paying his bills.

Woodward - who sadly passed away aged 86 during the initial stages of the investigation - also confirmed that he did not authorise the sale of his home.

Following sentence, Detective Sergeant Daniel Weaver, who led the investigation, said: “This was a very sad case in which a vulnerable, elderly man was taken advantage of by someone he trusted.

“It was only in the final months of Woodward’s life that the full extent of Anne Hill’s financial abuse was discovered, after a vigilant friend raised concerns.

“On being referred to Nottinghamshire Police, a swift arrest was made, followed by a detailed investigation which included working with various partners to ensure Woodward was thoroughly safeguarded in his final weeks and an in-depth review of financial data to build a strong case.

“The other victims in this case are the beneficiaries of Woodward’s will – the animal charities and long-standing friends he had chosen to support after his death.

“We will now look to use the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover available funds from Anne Hill, so that his final wishes can be fulfilled as far as possible.

“Lasting Powers of Attorney exist to empower trusted persons to make important decisions in the best interests of another, often when they are at the most vulnerable stages of their lives. It is a powerful role that comes with a lot of responsibility, which most people take incredibly seriously and would never dream of abusing their authority.

“However, I hope this case demonstrates that where abuse does take place, Nottinghamshire Police and our partner agencies will work together to safeguard vulnerable people and ensure that perpetrators are held to account.”