'Disgraceful' Portchester niece took more than £2,000 from aunt with dementia

For two months, Lynne Rayner siphoned £2,613.34 from her aunt’s bank account to her own because she was in debt.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard how the 38-year-old, of West Street, Portchester, used the Pingit mobile payments app to take the cash. She had been trusted to look after her 63-year-old aunt’s money.

This happened all while her aunt was extremely vulnerable, having suffered two strokes, and living with dementia and a weak heart.

Rayner initially denied the accusations until police showed her copies of the bank statements.

The defendant, who shared a home with the victim, is set to move out so the aunt can spend ‘the last few months of her life’ there instead of in the care home where she currently lives.

Prosecuting, Amber Athill said: ‘The defendant abused her position of trust as the carer for her frail aunt.

‘The impact on the victim was high – upon hearing that her niece had stolen from her, the victim became withdrawn, and was vulnerable due to her age and health.’

For the one count of fraud that Rayner admitted in February, judge David Melville QC handed Rayner a 16-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

She must also give back all the money she took from her aunt between August 12 and October 14 last year.

Judge Melville said: ‘This is obviously a disgraceful thing for you to do.

‘You were trusted by your aunt to car for her and this was an abuse of your power.

‘You must appreciate that the shame will stay with you for a very long time.’

Alongside her suspended sentence, Rayner must complete rehabilitation activity requirement days, and pay costs of £425.

Defending Rayner, Bridget O’Hagan told the court that the defendant has suffered from depression and anxiety – and was the only family member who was looking after her aunt.

She said: ‘There has been very genuine remorse and full admissions from the defendant.

‘But it is clear that (the victim) needs support and I see no other family members stepping up to the plate.

‘She was left to get on with it by herself, and has failed.’

Rayner has four previous convictions.

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