Newark carer jailed for stealing more than £26,000 from two vulnerable adults
Nottingham Crown Court heard she made more than 100 fraudulent cash withdrawals over five years
A carer who stole more than £26,000 from two vulnerable adults she was entrusted to support has been jailed.
Michelle Flintoff, 50, was a team leader at a Newark home providing round-the-clock support to two adults with learning difficulties.
She was sentenced to two years and six months in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday 27th October.
Flintoff pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by abuse of position.
The court heard Flintoff worked for a non-profit care provider.
As well as helping with day-to-day care, medication, cooking and household tasks, she was responsible for managing the two adults' finances.
She had access to both of their 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.
She carried out more than 100 fraudulent cash withdrawals over the five-year period.
She also made numerous purchases through Amazon and high street retailers, including cosmetics company Sephora.
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.
She admitted her crimes during that investigation.
After her offending came to light, she phoned a senior colleague in tears.
She said: "I've ruined my life; I've ruined everything."
Police Staff Investigator Michael Woods, of Nottinghamshire Police, spoke after the sentencing.
He 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."
He added: "This was a calculated and deeply dishonest abuse of trust that had a profound impact on the victims, their families and her colleagues."
He also said: "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."
He went on: "As this case demonstrates, such crimes will be thoroughly investigated and offenders can expect to face the consequences of their actions."