A woman has been given a suspended prison sentence after stealing over £5,000 from her own grandmother to fund her drug and alcohol habits. Donna Hughes withdrew cash from her grandmother’s bank account more than 60 times without her knowledge. The sentencing hearing at Caernarfon Crown Court revealed that Hughes, 40, used the money for illicit substances and alcohol, despite her grandmother, Llywela Elizabeth Roberts, being in her late eighties and requiring care due to an abscess on her spine and limited mobility.
The court heard that Hughes was entrusted with her grandmother’s finances in 2014, with the initial purpose to assist with purchasing gifts and providing financial support to the family. However, Hughes progressively abused this trust, leading to withdrawals for her personal use, resulting in the discovery of an overdraft upon Ms. Roberts’s return from hospital in March.
When questioned by Ms. Roberts’s son about the financial irregularities, Hughes confessed to taking £5,155.92 from her grandmother. Hughes admitted to the police that she took the money without permission, attributing her actions to desperation following job loss, financial difficulties, and substance misuse issues.
In court, Hughes pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, prompting Judge Timothy Petts to impose a six-month suspended sentence and a requirement for 30 days of rehabilitation activity. Additionally, Hughes was ordered to repay the stolen amount to her grandmother from her benefits, along with a six-month restriction on contacting Ms. Roberts without professional intermediary approval.
Despite the familial breach of trust, the judge acknowledged the potential for family reconciliation while highlighting Hughes’s responsibility for exploiting her grandmother’s vulnerability for personal gain. The case serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of financial exploitation within families, particularly regarding vulnerable individuals who rely on trusted caregivers for support.