A care worker who admitted taking more than £7,600 from a frail 94-year-old woman with dementia did not attend Norwich Crown Court for sentencing after she suffered a panic attack and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital by ambulance.
Key facts and court timetable
Lorraine Howell, aged 58 and of Sheffield Road, Wymondham, pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position after admitting she took £7,630 from the pensioner. The thefts are recorded as having taken place between 8 September and 13 October last year.
Howell had been due for sentencing on Thursday 23 July at Norwich Crown Court, but did not appear. Recorder Nicola Fitches was told she had been taken to hospital after suffering a panic attack; the judge adjourned sentencing until 9 September.
Allegations around visits and company policy
It was set out in court material that Howell, who worked for an agency, had visited the woman outside her contracted hours and while she was on sick leave. Those visits were described as being "in breach of company policy".
"in breach of company policy"
Howell’s LinkedIn profile lists her most recent employment as a community support worker for First Choice Homecare Agency.
Local implications and safeguarding concerns
The case underlines ongoing concerns about financial abuse of older people, particularly those with dementia who may be unable to manage their own affairs. The alleged offences raise questions about agency oversight, record-keeping and the safeguards in place to protect vulnerable clients when carers visit outside scheduled hours.
- Suspected financial abuse often involves repeated small withdrawals or transfers over a short period; here the losses totalled £7,630 across about five weeks.
- Visits outside contracted hours and contact while on sick leave can bypass employer oversight and increase risk to clients.
- Local relatives and carers should know how to report concerns to the police and adult social care teams.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Alleged thefts carried out | 8 Sept – 13 Oct (previous year) |
| Guilty plea entered | Prior to 23 July hearing |
| Sentencing due | Adjourned to 9 Sept |
The named victim in court records is a 94-year-old woman who had dementia; she has since died. The reporting of her age and condition reflects details disclosed at the hearing.
Norfolk residents who have concerns about possible financial abuse of an older or vulnerable person can contact Norfolk Constabulary or Norfolk County Council’s adult social care services for advice and reporting. Agencies providing care are expected to maintain clear records of visits and to follow policies designed to prevent contact outside authorised working arrangements.
The case will return to Norwich Crown Court on 9 September for sentencing before Recorder Fitches.
