Care home manger jailed after stealing from residents

Denise Nichols (55), of Kiveton Lane, Kiveton, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for defrauding more than 20 residents with learning disabilities to fund a lavish lifestyle.

The former deputy manager at Wensley Street Care Home in Sheffield was one of only a few managers authorised to order money on behalf of residents and collect it from the bank.

During an audit ordered by the Learning Disabilities Directorate within Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust (SHSC), it emerged that money was missing and unaccounted for, and it became apparent that Nichols was responsible.

At Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday, Nichols admitted fraud by abuse of position  in relation to 23 residents and a total of £15,000 between 2008 and 2012.

The care home building is owned and managed by South Yorkshire Housing Association with staffing provided by SHSC.

The Learning Disability Service is jointly managed by SHSC and Sheffield City Council.

Detective constable Jenny Elsley, who led the investigation, said: “This was a calculated and sustained crime where Nichols exploited the trusted position she held within the home.

“Over four years Nichols kept the extra cash and used this to fund personal luxuries, in total she stole about £15,000.

“Both staff and residents have been left feeling devastated, but thankfully her crimes were uncovered and she has been rightly prosecuted.”

Kevan Taylor, chief executive of SHSC, said: “It is important to recognise the impact this upsetting situation has had on the residents and their families as well as trust staff and we have taken every possible step to ensure that appropriate support has been put in place.

“We worked closely with the police and South Yorkshire Housing Association and conducted own investigation which resulted in Denise Nichols being dismissed.

“We have made changes to financial procedures, to ensure that appropriate controls are in place to prevent any recurrence.”