Nephew stole £27k from elderly aunt with Alzheimer's after being trusted as financial guardian

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A man stole £27,000 from his elderly aunt who suffers from Alzheimer’s. John Neilson, 44, took the cash by using Mary Baird’s bank card at ATM machines between November 2021 and September 2022.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Neilson was allowed to be a financial guardian for the 83-year-old who resides at a care home in the city’s Shettleston. As part of the process, Neilson was required to submit an “inventory” of Mary’s account to the offices of public guardian.

He also signed a legal declaration for integrity reasons that his and Mary’s finances would be kept separate. As of December 15, 2021, an inventory of Mary’s account was not received.

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Two reminders were sent - one of which was partially responded to with a bank statement and covering letter. Another letter in July 2022 was not responded to.

Prosecutor Victoria Keel said: “Concerns were raised about Neilson by the offices of public guardian about spending on the account as it did not reflect Mary. The offices thought that she was not receiving benefit of her funds and was at risk of financial exploitation.”

The Bank of Scotland put safeguards on the account which stopped Neilson’s access to it on September 9, 2022. Miss Keel stated the depleted figure from the account was £27,614.52.

Neilson was asked to account for the expenditure but not response was received. The matter was then raised with the police and Neilson was arrested.

He acknowledged he had sole possession of his aunt’s bank account. The hearing was told the money has been paid back through an insurance company.

First offender Neilson, of the city’s Tollcross, pled guilty today to embezzlement. Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Joan Kerr who granted Neilson bail meantime.

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