Carer sentenced for £40,000 fraud in West Midlands

Toni Wilkinson, a carer from Oldbury, West Midlands, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for stealing over £40,000. She defrauded two vulnerable adults while working for Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District. Instead of helping these individuals, Wilkinson used their bank cards for her own expenses while shopping with them. During her sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court, the 46-year-old cried and pleaded to be allowed to go home to her daughter. The judge pointed out that she stole the money out of greed, despite having her own home and not appearing to live an uncomfortable life. He expressed that her actions were particularly cruel since she abused her position of trust. Wilkinson's fraudulent activities lasted about 18 months and included withdrawing up to £300 a week from cash machines. She targeted these vulnerable victims, knowing they lacked mental capacity and likely wouldn't notice the missing funds. Her crimes came to light when a manager noticed suspicious transactions linked to her shifts. After admitting her wrongdoing, Wilkinson voluntarily confessed to the police. Arrangements have been made for her youngest child while she serves her sentence.