A woman who transferred funds from her elderly grandmother’s bank account into her own behind her back has faced the courts.
The investigation by Nottinghamshire Police uncovered that Adele Smith had taken funds from her grandmother’s online bank account at least 50 times from 2 January 2019 to 29 June 2021.
The deceit was first uncovered when the woman went to the bank to deposit money back in July 2021. Whilst there, she enquired about another account – which she expected to contain inheritance from her mother – and was faced with the news that the account was empty.
The courts heard that, although the 78-year-old woman’s bank account had been set up by Smith with permission, the victim did not consent to each transfer that went through.
Money moved over went on numerous items and experiences, including takeaways, toys and clothes from Primark.
Smith, of Wordsworth Road, Radford, also used the money to pay for a family holiday – one that the grandmother herself went on, but did not realise she had funded.
The 32-year-old was found guilty of fraud by false representation following a trial on 2 December 2024.
A victim statement read out during the sentencing noted how the victim felt the case had “torn the family apart” and since the breakdown of the relationship with her granddaughter, she was “lonely and isolated”.
The victim was later refunded by her bank to cover the amount spent without her knowledge.
Appearing for sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (19 June), Smith was handed a two-year jail sentence, suspended for two years.
Conditions of her suspended sentence include completing 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months and participating in 25 hours of rehabilitation appointments.
Detective Constable Nabeel Dad, who led the investigation, said:
“The victim had trusted her granddaughter with her funds, and she was very sadly taken advantage of for a number of years.
“We’re glad that we were able to bring Smith before the courts and I hope that she takes the time to make positive changes in her life.
“Nottinghamshire Police takes fraud very seriously and we will continue to investigate all reports we receive thoroughly.”
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