Portsmouth carer thief caught on CCTV 'dismissed' from her job after stealing cash

Mayfair Homecare has confirmed to The News it launched an investigation after Kerry Claridge, 32, of St Paul’s Square, Southsea, was accused of stealing from 81-year-old Joyce Cooper.

As reported, Claridge was caught on CCTV taking £50, cigarettes and more cash on three occasions from widow Mrs Cooper’s home in Brunel Court, Landport.

Helen Baker, national operations director for Mayfair which employed Claridge, dismissed her after the investigation.

Ms Baker said: ‘We can confirm that on initial contact... regarding the allegations, a full investigation was commenced.

‘This included the safeguarding team from Portsmouth local authority and the police.

‘Upon investigation the care worker was summarily dismissed and a referral was made to the safeguarding barring list.

‘She is therefore no longer employed.’

The thefts took place between January and April.

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Mrs Cooper has dementia and suffered a stroke, needing care.

Claridge, who admitted three charges of theft, will be sentenced at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on December 9.

She was bailed and warned she faces jail. She has no previous.

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