A 24-year-old mother who callously stole more than £30,000 from her own grandparents, who both suffer from dementia, has been spared an immediate prison term after magistrates described her crimes as a 'stupid, immature mistake'.
A Betrayal of Trust and Family
Charlotte Booth, from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, systematically exploited her family's trust over a two-year period. The court heard she used a bank card belonging to her infirm grandparents, Robert and Christine Booth, to fund shopping sprees, pay her rent, and cover direct debits.
The thefts became possible after Booth's own mother, Natalie, was granted power of attorney over the elderly couple's affairs. Booth then 'exploited' this situation, making numerous unauthorised cash withdrawals and purchases. The truth only unravelled when Natalie noticed discrepancies in the account and consulted her step-sister, Andrea Mason, who shared the legal responsibility.
The Emotional and Financial Fallout
In a powerful victim impact statement, Andrea Mason described being left 'in shock and disbelief'. She revealed the immense personal toll, suffering countless sleepless nights worried about her parents' future security.
'The sense of trust has been shattered in the family - something that will never be repaired,' Mrs Mason stated. She emphasised that the stolen £30,255.19 was meant to provide comfort and care in her parents' later years, representing not just their financial security but their dignity and peace of mind.
The case initially saw Natalie Booth wrongly treated as a suspect until it was established her daughter was the culprit. No charges were brought against Natalie.
Suspended Sentence and Ordered Repayment
At Warrington Magistrates' Court, Booth admitted theft. Presiding Justice of the Peace Andrew Pope noted the severe breach of trust but cited her prompt guilty plea and lack of previous convictions as mitigating factors.
Booth was sentenced to 10 months in jail, suspended for 18 months. She was ordered to repay the full £30,255.19, despite currently claiming Universal Credit. In mitigation, her solicitor Laura Young argued the offending occurred during a period of financial pressure and was driven by 'poor decision making', not greed.
The court heard Booth has begun visiting her grandparents as part of steps to rebuild trust. Her grandparents remain unaware of their granddaughter's betrayal.
