A Swindon man who exploited an elderly pensioner he was supposed to be caring for has been given a suspended prison sentence after stealing £12,000 from the man’s savings.
Andy Baldwin, 64, of Purslane Close, appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 1 June after admitting a charge of fraud by false representation.
The court heard how Baldwin had befriended the victim, a man in his 80s who lived alone, many years earlier. Following the victim’s decision to give up driving due to health problems, Baldwin increasingly took on the role of carer, helping with day-to-day tasks and transport.
Over time, the elderly man became reliant on Baldwin for support, including journeys to medical appointments and assistance with errands. However, while presenting himself as a trusted companion and carer, Baldwin was secretly taking money from the victim’s bank account.
The fraud continued over a two-year period and resulted in the victim losing approximately £12,000 of his savings.
Baldwin was interviewed by police in November last year as part of an investigation into the thefts. Following his guilty plea, magistrates sentenced him to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay £12,000 in compensation to the victim.
The case has highlighted the risks faced by some older and vulnerable residents who rely on others for support and companionship.
Speaking after the sentencing, Tina Willison described the offending as a significant abuse of trust.
She said: “This was a serious breach of trust. The victim relied on Baldwin for care and support over a period of time, yet he exploited that position for personal gain.
“Whilst the victim believed Baldwin was caring for him, running errands and transporting him to and from medical appointments, he was in fact secretly withdrawing £12,000 from the victim’s bank account. He not only caused significant financial loss but also emotional harm.”
She added that police remain committed to protecting vulnerable members of the community and pursuing those who seek to take advantage of them.
“We want to reassure the public that offences of this nature are investigated thoroughly, and we will always seek to protect vulnerable members of our community,” she said.
Fraud against elderly people remains a concern for police and support organisations across Wiltshire, with offenders often targeting those who live alone or depend on others for assistance.
Wiltshire Police has encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to report concerns where they believe an older or vulnerable person may be at risk of financial exploitation.
