Man with power of attorney has to hand over assets

The importance of appointing a trustworthy person to hold power of attorney has been shown by a recent legal case.

Douglas Latham, who was jailed earlier this year, has been instructed to hand over £40,000 worth of assets if he wants to avoid a longer prison sentence, the Lincolnshire Echo reported.

Mr Latham was imprisoned after he was given power of attorney over an elderly friend's financial affairs and stole over £100,000 from her.

He took the money from pensioner Elsie Johnson in an effort to save his business, which was facing financial troubles, and to pay vets who had treated his wife's horses.

Now he could spend an extra 13 months in prison if he does not deliver the £40,825 within a six-month period.

However, a group of attorneys have also spoken out to say that some banks are making it difficult for those who have power of attorney for an elderly person by not listening to instructions, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Published by Hannah Carr