MS, a retired Army Corporal and ex-social worker, was accused, along with his wife, of defrauding his elderly aunt (now deceased) of her life savings. Both MS and his wife had Power of Attorney over their aunt’s finances and were accused of stealing in excess of £130,000 over a period spanning 5 years.
MS’s wife pleaded guilty but MS denied any part in her crimes. He was interviewed in 2013 and maintained, as he did at trial, that he had no knowledge of her offending, which included depositing nearly £30,000 into his own bank accounts.
MS was tried at Manchester Crown Court on nine counts of theft and fraud. After a trial lasting four days he was acquitted of all counts and his good name restored.
MS wrote: “I just wish again to say thank you for your hard work and effort throughout, it was obvious that you had put in a lot of effort by your attitude and by your ending statement that you had done a lot of preparation and for that I am grateful. You are credit to your profession and have demonstrated your professionalism throughout… I was a little bit emotional after my trial and did not say these things that I had wanted to say, so again thanks. I am forever in your debt.”
Simon was instructed by Natasha McGarr of Mary Monson Solicitors.