Care home boss jailed

Shirley Gaskell wept as she was led from the dock of Preston Crown Court. A jury convicted her of eight theft charges several months ago.

Judge Peter Openshaw QC told her "You have shown absolutely no remorse. You still defiantly maintain your innocence."

The 43-year-old woman, of Snape Street, Darwen had denied the charges.

She was convicted after a trial when her victim gave evidence from a wheelchair.

Gaskell had been manager of Hawkhurst Care Centre, Blackburn, run by Prime Line PLC. The offences covered dates between October 1997 and July 1999.

Mr John Marsh, prosecuting, said she left in October 1999, having served her notice.

At the time of the offences the centre had eleven private paying residents. One of them was an 80-year-old woman.

A trial had heard that the defendant ignored guidelines set down by Prime Line, regarding dealing with residents' money.

Gaskell collected all the elderly woman's cash, including her pension, and had access to bank accounts. The amount involved was just over £5,500 which should have been made available to the woman.

At the trial the defendant claimed the resident had been a devious old lady who had hidden money. She denied the claims of the prosecution.

Mr Arthur Stuttard, defending, said that for 40 years of her life Gaskell had led an exemplary lifestyle and made a positive contribution to the

community.

The jury had found she blotted her copy book in a very substantial way. Perhaps her greatest punishment had been the jury's verdict. "She is petrified of going into custody." he added.

Passing sentence, Judge Peter Openshaw QC said the elderly victim had been vulnerable. Her financial affairs were the defendant's responsibility.

He told Gaskell "She trusted you. In breach of that trust you stole this money from her.

"The woman was, on your instructions, vigorously cross-examined.

"The sentence must mark the public outrage at the commission of such offences."