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Care Home Boss Stole £22.5k, Returns to Work
10 Jul
Summary
- Care home boss convicted of stealing £22,500 from a dementia resident.
- The stolen funds were used to supplement her lifestyle, including a Dubai holiday.
- Despite her conviction, she informed staff of her return to work next week.
Ann Comer, a manager at Springfield House care home in Malvern, Worcestershire, was convicted of stealing £22,500 from a resident with dementia. She received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, from Worcester Crown Court on Monday.
In an email seen by the BBC, Comer informed her staff that she would return to work the following week. This announcement has left staff "gobsmacked" and in disbelief, with one anonymous staff member calling it a "huge safeguarding issue."
Comer began her employment in April 2016. Suspicion arose in 2019 when it was reported that she had used a resident's bank card. An investigation revealed she moved the victim into the home before stealing her card and withdrawing approximately £1,400 monthly to fund her lifestyle, including a trip to Dubai.
Harriet Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, expressed "extreme concern" and pledged to investigate who is responsible for allowing Comer's return. Worcestershire County Council stated they are working with the provider and the Care Quality Commission to ensure safeguards are in place.
