URGENT UPDATE: A 61-year-old woman has been accused of defrauding her mother-in-law, who suffers from dementia, of more than £29,836 over a two-year span. Sharon Brunton, of Mast Lane, Cullercoats, allegedly misused the elderly woman’s bank card while she resided in assisted accommodation.
The shocking claims emerged during a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court this week. Prosecutor Jade Houston stated, “The complainant is the defendant’s mother-in-law. She has dementia and lives in assisted accommodation.” Evidence suggests that Brunton accessed the victim’s funds without consent between June 2022 and July 2024.
Brunton faces a charge of fraud by false representation, a serious offense that could lead to significant prison time if she is convicted. “If convicted, the starting point is two years in custody,” Houston informed the court. Magistrates determined that the case should be escalated to the crown court due to its severity.
During the brief hearing, Brunton only confirmed her name, date of birth, and address. Her defense attorney, Paul Kennedy, acknowledged that the matter should be sent to a higher court. As a result, Brunton was granted conditional bail, which prohibits her from contacting her mother-in-law or visiting her residence.
The next court appearance is scheduled for January 2, 2024, where further developments in this disturbing case will be addressed. This case raises significant questions about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially those with cognitive impairments.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds in the coming weeks.
