A carer who stole money from one of the people he looked after has been sentenced.
Franklin Mwelli, aged 56, from Boldrewood, Swindon worked for a care organisation at a “supported living property” in West Swindon.
Mwelli, who had worked at the house for a number of years and held a responsible position, had access to the bank account of the man (in his 60s) he cared for. He regularly attended the local ATM on the man’s behalf but would also remove cash for himself and then falsify the records when he returned to the home.
This activity remained undiscovered from October 2016 to March 2019 and in that time Mwelli managed to steal at total of £3,420. It was only when suspicions were raised and an audit of the bank account was carried out that the irregularities were discovered. The police were then called in to investigate by the care company.
Frank Mwelli pleaded guilty to the theft at Swindon Magistrates in January 2020.
Yesterday at Swindon Crown Court he was sentenced to:
Eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
To pay the victim compensation (the full amount that was stolen)
To carry out 150 hours of unpaid work
To adhere to a two month curfew between 9pm – 7am.
Following the case, Det Con Nick Bishop said: “We welcome today’s sentencing and hopefully this will now give the victim’s family some closure.
“Franklin Mwelli was in a position of trust which he abused, stealing a lot of money from this man over nearly three years.
“However, this isn’t just about the money, this has really had an impact on those involved.
“I hope today’s sentencing sends a message to anyone in a position of trust, who may consider stealing from those they care for, that you will be caught and face justice before the courts.”
