Man's estate protected by those given power of attorney

The importance of power of attorney being handed to trusted individuals has been highlighted by a recent court case.

Friends of a man who had power of attorney over his assets stepped in after his carer was discovered to be stealing from him, the Flintshire Chronicle reported.

Belinda Dent admitted that she stole money from 92-year-old Mark Pearce, magistrates in Prestatyn heard.

Police became involved in the situation after those with power of attorney over Mr Pearce's estate thought that money was being stolen from him.

The authorities planted £240 of market notes in his home and the cash was discovered on 43-year-old Ms Dent when she was arrested.

"You [Ms Dent] have impugned the integrity of the care service which is a huge part of society today, as well as the huge majority of people who work in it,” chairman of the bench, Andrew Pritchard, said.

Last month, Anne Bissell also admitted to a court that she had extracted £60,000 from the bank account of her dying mother, whom herself and her sister both had power of attorney over, the Evening Post reported.

Published by Hannah Carr