A carer who stole more than £26,000 from two vulnerable residents she was entrusted to support has been jailed.
Michelle Flintoff, 50, exploited her position at a non-profit care provider to carry out more than 100 fraudulent cash withdrawals over a five-year period, as well as making numerous purchases through Amazon and high street retailers, including cosmetics company Sephora.
Nottingham Crown Court heard Flintoff was a team leader at a Newark residential property providing round-the-clock support to two adults with learning difficulties.
In addition to assisting with their day-to-day care, medication, cooking and household tasks, she was responsible for managing their finances and had access to both residents’ personal bank accounts, as well as a joint account used to pay shared household expenses.
Between 2020 and 2025, Flintoff fraudulently took £26,299.92 from the three accounts for her own benefit.
Her offending was uncovered during a financial audit carried out by the care provider, which identified irregularities in the accounts.
Flintoff was immediately suspended and later resigned while a police investigation was carried out, during which she admitted her crimes.
After her offending came to light, she tearfully phoned a senior colleague and said: “I’ve ruined my life; I’ve ruined everything.”
Flintoff, of Clarks Lane, Newark-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by abuse of position and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison on Tuesday (27 October).
Following the sentencing, Police Staff Investigator Michael Woods, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“Flintoff was placed in a position of significant trust to care for and support these residents, but instead chose to exploit them for her own financial gain.
“This was a calculated and deeply dishonest abuse of trust that had a profound impact on the victims, their families and her colleagues.
“The sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of her offending and sends a clear message that anyone who abuses a position of responsibility for personal gain will be held accountable.
“As this case demonstrates, such crimes will be thoroughly investigated and offenders can expect to face the consequences of their actions.”
