Northwich carer jailed after conning vulnerable man out of £4k

Julie Jackson - previously of Lune Crescent in Rudheath but currently of no fixed abode - appeared in Chester Crown Court on August 3, after deceiving a 58-year-old man who had developed feelings for her during her time as his carer.

The victim, who has the mental age of an eight or nine-year-old due to a childhood accident, did not have the capacity to manage or make decisions about money.

Jackson, also 58, would help him with his finances and had his bank card and pin number.

The court heard how between August 2017 and July 2019, she abused this position of trust by persuading him to get loans, withdraw cash and pay for things for her.

The man said he had taken out two loans and paid for a holiday for Jackson – which he was never invited on.

He believed she would care for him for the rest of his life and had even asked her to marry him.

Payments in his name were made to Pets at Home, TUI, clothes shops and petrol stations.

The total amount gained by Jackson during her two-years of deceit was £3,918.51.

Julie Jackson

The victim managed to get his money back from the loan company but is still at a loss of £1,319.31.

The court heard how the ordeal has made him scared to go out and he feels he can’t trust anyone.

Peter Barnett, defending, said his client’s case was the complainant wished to buy her affections by paying for various items for her.

However, Mr Barnett conceded she should have refused to accept the gifts.

He added Jackson has no previous convictions.

Judge Patrick Thompson sentenced Jackson to 12 months in custody.

He said: “This is a particularly mean fraud because you were the carer, and he is a particularly vulnerable individual.

“He needed assistance in lots of ways, but also in respect of his finances - you were well aware of that, because you had been his carer for a long time.

“Effectively, you used him as an easy source of easy money.

“It seems to me that there is really no evidence of any remorse.

“It’s clear that the only sympathy you have is for yourself and the situation you now find yourself in.

“You are entitled to that opinion but what that gives me no confidence in, is the prospect of rehabilitation.”