Carer stole from elderly client

Parker was employed to help an 89-year-old woman in her own home.

Prosecutor Rachel Elliot told the court that Parker stole two $50 notes out of the woman’s purse, which was in her bag in a bedroom while she was working at the woman’s house on August 25 last year.

The theft of the $100 was captured on a video that had been set up by the elderly woman’s daughter, who also lived at the house.

Ms Elliot said when questioned by police, Parker admitted stealing the $100 and said she planned to return the money two days later when she was at the house again.

She told police she wanted the money for grocery shopping because she didn’t have any money, Ms Elliot said.

Parker told police she did not return the money because she was fired from her job before then.

Parker’s solicitor Anthony Coote told the court that his client had written a letter to the court that showed “genuine contrition” and that she had tried to give $100 and a letter of apology to the woman through police but was not allowed to do so.

Mr Coote also said, that while “it didn’t lessen what she did”, there was also more than $100 in the woman’s purse at the time and Parker did not take more, instead “showing some control”.

Mr Coote asked the magistrate for no conviction, a lengthy good behaviour bond and a monetary penalty to “remind her that this was not the way to go”.

However, Magistrate Ian Watkins did not agree.

“I think the breach of trust takes it outside what you put to me,” he said.

“You’re entrusted to care for them (aged care client) and you breached that trust.”

Parker was fined $500, and ordered to pay $95.80 in statutory court costs.

Mr Watkins also recorded a court conviction to show that “these sort of offences won’t be tolerated”.

Parker also has to pay back the $100 to the woman.