A former care worker who stole jewellery and money from two elderly women with severe dementia has been jailed for more than four years. Avon and Somerset Police said Amy Bassett, 33, of St Georges Road in Keynsham, was sentenced to 52 months in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 6 November.

Bassett admitted one count of dwelling theft and three counts of fraud by false representation. The court heard that she demonstrated a sustained pattern of offending against exceptionally vulnerable victims over an extended period, with the offences spanning January to December 2024. Both of her victims were elderly women suffering from severe dementia who required significant levels of care and support.

The first series of offences took place at a property in Bath that had been vacated by a 100-year-old woman after she moved into a care setting because of her severe dementia. Bassett had regularly attended the property in her role as a care worker. Police said she attempted to pay a fraudulent cheque for a significant amount into a bank account, but the transaction was identified and stopped by the bank before any funds were transferred. She also fraudulently opened a credit card account in the victim's name, with repayments taken from the victim's personal bank account, leading to a substantial financial loss.

Rings sold to pay for Christmas presents

The second series of offending happened at a care home in a village in the Bath and North East Somerset area. The victim, a woman in her late seventies with advanced dementia, requires round-the-clock care. Enquiries found that her engagement ring and wedding ring had been removed without her consent and sold at a pawnbroker to raise money for Christmas presents.

The emotional impact on the victims' families has been significant, particularly given that the stolen items included sentimental jewellery of considerable personal value and the financial abuse involved substantial sums of money. Police said they had maintained contact with the families throughout the investigation and had offered them access to specialist support services.

Police praise families for their patience

Detective Constable Samantha Nation, the investigating officer, said the investigation had been lengthy and complex. "Over an extended period, the defendant repeatedly targeted elderly women suffering from dementia, exploiting their age, medical conditions and reliance on others in order to commit fraud and theft for personal financial gain," she said. "These offences were made all the more serious by the abuse of trust involved and the deliberate targeting of individuals who were unable to protect themselves."

PC Nation thanked the victims' families for their patience, support and determination throughout what she described as an emotional and often distressing process, saying their commitment to protecting their loved ones had played a vital role in the investigation. She added: "While no sentence can undo the harm caused to these victims and their families, I welcome the outcome at court. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that those who seek to exploit vulnerable people, particularly elderly individuals who depend upon others for their care and wellbeing, will be thoroughly investigated and held accountable for their actions."

Police said extensive enquiries had been needed to gather evidence from a number of sources, including family members, care providers, financial institutions and local businesses. BritBrief also reported the sentencing, noting that Bassett had pleaded guilty to the theft and fraud charges.