Care Home Worker, 25, Stole Cash From Patient

A care worker from Gloucestershire admitted stealing cash from an autism sufferer he was looking after. David Merrett, 25, of Highfields, Dursley, stole £1,356.21 from Derek Martin, who he was caring for at Slade Autistic Home in Dursley, Stroud Magistrates’ Court heard.

Teresa Perry, prosecuting, said: “Derek Martin was an adult autism patient who lives at home but is cared for by staff at the autism home.

“Over a few months Mr Merrett got to know Mr Martin. Mr Martin is unable to take care of his money so staff go to the cash machine with him to get out money.”

At the autism home money taken out is entered into a petty cash book. However, Merrett had not been entering the correct amounts, the court was told at last week’s hearing.

“On most occasions £200 was taken out but only £100 was written in the petty cash book,” said Mrs Perry.

“Mr Merrett was arrested and he fully accepted he had been stealing money.”

Nick Cooper, defending, said: “My client was under considerable stress. His brother had attempted suicide twice and was successful on the second attempt.

“His sister had also tried to commit suicide.”

Mr Cooper said his client was “very sorry” and wanted to pay back the money.

Merrett was bailed until October 18 for sentencing.