A “CRUEL and heartless” care worker has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for stealing jewellery from the home of an elderly woman she was supposed to be caring for – and posting photos wearing it on social media.
Ahmie Kent, 63, was sentenced yesterday in the Royal Court for a “serious offence of larceny”.
The court heard that Kent was assigned to work as the primary carer of a woman in her late-80s in January 2023.
Kent had “full access” to the woman’s home and would attend twice a day to help her prepare meals, clear, and dress – including helping her to put her jewellery on.
The health of the elderly woman declined in late 2023, and she was moved into a care home full-time.
Shortly after this, the woman’s son and granddaughter went to went to her home to pack up her valuables and noticed that a “large number” of belongings were missing.
In particular, the woman’s two jewellery boxes were almost empty.
The granddaughter then viewed Kent’s Facebook profile, and saw that a photo of her wearing one of the missing items of jewellery had been posted online.
The police were contacted and a search of Kent’s home was carried out.
A number of items of jewellery were found in her home – including five of the elderly woman’s rings.
Kent claimed during police interview that she had been given these items, but later admitted that she had taken some of them.
Later that month, the elderly woman’s granddaughter noticed one of her grandmother’s gold rings for sale in a local jewellers.
It emerged that Kent had sold the ring to the jeweller for £1,000.
Police then searched Kent’s property again and found other missing items, including a gold necklace.
The court heard that the stolen jewellery was worth £29,000 in total, and had “not merely financial value but enormous sentimental value”.
Kent pleaded guilty to one court of larceny at the first opportunity, but a probation report found that she took “limited responsibility” for the offences and her actions were “clearly planned and executed entirely for financial gain”.
Kent’s elderly victim described the offences as “sickening”.
It is absolutely essential that the public have confidence in carers, particularly those offering care to the elderly and vulnerable
Deputy Bailiff Robert McRae
Deputy Bailiff Robert McRae, presiding, said that Kent’s actions were “so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified”.
He described the offending as “cruel and heartless”, and said that Kent was “motivated by pure greed”.
Mr McRae said that Kent was in a position of “utmost trust” and had been invited to family events by the victim – including her own birthday party.
He told Kent: “The crime has had a significant effect on your elderly victim and, we anticipate, her family.”
Mr McRae added: “It is absolutely essential that the public have confidence in carers, particularly those offering care to the elderly and vulnerable.
“The message must go out that such breaches of trust will not be tolerated by the courts of this Island.”
