A deceitful carer has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after being found guilty of stealing thousands of pounds from an elderly and vulnerable woman under her care. Gemine Barrett, who also falsely claimed to have cancer and intimidated individuals by lying that her partner was a senior police officer, was described by the judge as a “thoroughly dishonest woman”. The victim, who has since passed away, endured significant distress due to Barrett’s actions, with her daughter attributing the decline in her health to the ordeal caused by the defendant.
The prosecution revealed that Barrett, running her firm called Care For You, received £2,900 from the elderly woman for home renovation work in 2022 but failed to pass the funds to the builder. Instead, she misused the money and fabricated excuses, including the cancer lie, when confronted about the payments. The builder, persistently seeking payment, was deceived by Barrett’s false claims about her partner being a senior police officer, resulting in a delayed report to the authorities.
During sentencing, the judge highlighted Barrett’s previous convictions, including instances of theft and benefit fraud. Despite the defendant expressing remorse for her actions, the judge dismissed it as a tactical play, reiterating her pattern of deceitful behaviour. Barrett, admitted to fraud by abuse of position, faces 10 months in prison with provisions for early release on licence after serving half the term. The court acknowledged the impact of Barrett’s actions on the victim, who spent her final months distressed and embarrassed by the deceit she had fallen victim to.
Barrett’s defence attorney emphasised her client’s emotional turmoil and shame over the incidents. The defendant, who had repaid a portion of the stolen funds, was deemed to benefit from probation interventions. The judge condemned Barrett’s breach of trust, stating that her manipulation of a vulnerable individual for personal gain was despicable. Barrett’s history of dishonesty and exploitation of those under her care underscored the severity of her actions, leading to the custodial sentence imposed by the court.
The daughter of the victim, in a statement read during the proceedings, conveyed her mother’s sense of betrayal and regret at being deceived by Barrett. The defendant’s deliberate attempts to evade responsibility, coupled with her prior criminal record, warranted a punitive sentence to deter similar misconduct in the future. The judge’s decision reflects the gravity of Barrett’s actions, highlighting the need to uphold trust and integrity within the caregiving profession. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals and the legal ramifications for those who breach their duty of care.