Calderdale man ordered to repay over £145,000 after defrauding his mother
Robert Catlow abused his position of trust over five years after taking Power of Attorney
Last updated 19th Dec 2025
A man who defrauded his elderly mother while managing her finances has been ordered to repay over £145,000 after being taken to court by West Yorkshire Trading Standards.
Robert Catlow, 54, had been acting as Lasting Power of Attorney for his mother, who was unable to manage her own finances while living in a care home.
His offending, which spanned five years from 2016 to 2021, involved the misuse of his mother’s funds to pay for his own business and living expenses.
Catlow lied about his mother's financial situation and neglected to provide her with toiletries and other personal items, leaving the care home to rely on donations.
In April 2024, Catlow appeared at Bradford Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to abusing his position and was sentenced to two years suspended for two years, and was required to complete 30 rehabilitation days.
On Thursday, Catlow was ordered to pay back £145,045.57 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
He must also pay £52,046.57 in compensation to Calderdale Council for his mother’s outstanding care home fees and £10,000.00 in prosecution costs.
Linda Davis, Head of Trading Standards for West Yorkshire said:
“Robert Catlow was in a significant position of trust, and he abused that position, using his mother’s money to finance his own lifestyle and business and leaving her without money for anything such as personal care items"
"The Proceeds of Crime Act allows us to recoup a criminal’s benefit from crime through confiscation orders and we will pursue and recover assets of those involved in this type of offending.”
Cllr Silvia Dacre, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “This was a terrible abuse of trust by the person who should have cared most for this vulnerable lady. The consequences for Robert Catlow show how seriously public agencies take this offence."
"Fraud can have a huge impact on people, causing both emotional trauma and financial hardship. With our partners, we will do everything we can to hold those responsible to account and provide justice to victims."