Courts / Wicklow / Report
Respite carer stole from elderly woman in 'grievous' breach of trust
Summary
Lesley Dyer, 40, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two thefts totalling €1,050 from an elderly woman she cared for in Bray, Co Wicklow, on 18 June 2022 and 13 August 2022. The victim, suffering from dementia, had left €1,000 in a handbag and later discovered the money missing; CCTV later showed Dyer taking €50 from a card. Dyer admitted the thefts, citing financial pressure and a recent split with her partner. Judge Orla Crowe described the offences as a "really serious breach of trust" and adjourned the case to allow a Probation Service assessment for suitability for community service. If deemed suitable, Dyer may be ordered to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of an 18‑month prison term. The case is set for a hearing on 3 November 2023.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Respite carer stole from elderly woman in 'grievous' breach of trust. Charges or matters: two counts of theft of a total of €1,050 on June 18, 2022 and August 13, 2022 at the home of the woman who lived in Bray, Co Wicklow. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 18, 2022 Incident
- August 13, 2022 Incident
- November 3 Adjournment
- 2023-06-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of theft of a total of €1,050 on June 18, 2022 and August 13, 2022 at the home of the woman who lived in Bray, Co Wicklow (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The judge said that Dyer "owes a debt to society" and adjourned the case to allow for the woman to be assessed by the Probation Service to determine if she is suitable for community service. Judge Crowe said that should Dyer be considered suitable for community service, she will order her to carry out 240 hours in lieu of an 18-month prison term.; The judge said that Dyer "owes a debt to society" and adjourned the case to allow for the woman to be assessed by the Probation Service to determine if she is suitable for community service.
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