Liverpool Mother Escapes Immediate Prison After Defrauding Family of £14,000
A mother from Liverpool has walked free from court despite admitting to stealing more than £14,000 from her own father and grandmother over several years, including during the period when her mother lay dying in hospital. Sarah Schofield, 37, pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation but received a suspended sentence primarily due to the potential impact on her two young children.
Sustained Campaign of Family Fraud
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Schofield's fraudulent activities spanned nearly three years between 2017 and 2020, during which she systematically targeted vulnerable family members. The total amount stolen reached £14,194.79 through various deceptive methods that exploited the trust of her closest relatives.
Prosecutor James Rae detailed how Schofield, of Upper Park Street in Toxteth, posed as her father David Schofield in April 2018 to obtain a £1,200 loan from MBNA. She subsequently established a NatWest bank account in her father's name to receive these funds, using the money to fuel her gambling addiction at online casinos, which resulted in an overdraft exceeding £2,000.
Heartbreaking Impact on Family Relationships
In a particularly cruel twist, Schofield's sister Katie revealed in a statement that on the very day their mother died, Sarah was applying for loans in their father's name rather than being at the hospital. This revelation compounded the family's sense of betrayal, with her father describing her actions as "cold, calculated and devious" in an emotional court statement.
David Schofield, a cancer survivor, expressed his devastation: "It's unbelievable that my own daughter has taken advantage of me in this way. To steal from me is despicable. I thought we were close. Clearly, she was just using me." He added that the stress of the court case had significantly worsened his already poor health.
Exploitation of Grandmother's Vulnerability
The court learned that Schofield had stolen £5,060 from her grandmother's Post Office account after taking her bank card from her purse. She was also accused of raiding a second Lloyds TSB account belonging to her grandmother, whom she was supposedly caring for at the time.
Katie Schofield stated on behalf of their grandmother: "My nan was betrayed and exploited by somebody who should have been a source of support and protection. I firmly believe she was deliberately trying to tear the family apart so nobody could piece together the truth of what she was doing." The family believes the stress contributed to their grandmother's decline.
Suspended Sentence Due to Children's Needs
Despite the severity of the offenses, Judge Louise Brandon imposed a two-year prison sentence suspended for 18 months, along with 120 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 15 days. The decision was primarily influenced by Schofield's role as primary caregiver for her two children, including a six-year-old son with complex needs who is non-verbal.
Defence barrister Rebecca Smith argued that Schofield had taken steps to address her gambling addiction and was now providing a stable environment for her children. "There will be dependants who would suffer greatly from her removal," she told the court, emphasizing that Schofield had no previous convictions and presented a low risk of reoffending.
Judge's Stern Warning and Family Consequences
Judge Brandon delivered a stern rebuke during sentencing, telling Schofield: "Your father finds it unbelievable that his daughter has taken advantage of him in the way that you did. You should feel utterly ashamed that this is how he feels about you. His heart is broken by your actions."
The judge acknowledged the significant family rift caused by the offenses, noting that relatives had been separated for years with grandchildren unable to meet their cousins. However, she concluded that the impact on Schofield's children justified the suspended sentence, warning: "You are getting one chance, and that is it. This order can and will be done. I do not expect to see you again."
The case highlights the complex interplay between criminal justice, family dynamics, and the welfare of dependent children in sentencing decisions involving serious breaches of trust within families.
