Care home manager jailed for fraud

The manager of a care home for adults with complex needs has been jailed for more than two years after pleading guilty to stealing money from the company and vulnerable residents.

Keeley Coleman was employed at the Old Vicarage Care Home in Ollerton between December 2020 and October 2023.

But, after she left, concerns were reported to police, who found she had been withdrawing money on business and residents’ cards and spending most of it on herself.

The court heard she had stolen more than £55,000 to buy a hot tub, a car, and a caravan.

At Nottingham Crown Court, Coleman, 48, of Savile Road in Bilsthorpe, pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by abuse of position and one of false accounting and was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison.

Speaking after the sentencing on 20 August, Detective Constable Shaun Healy said: “Coleman was placed into a position of trust to look after people with severe and complex needs.

“They were unable to look after their own finances and she was trusted to ensure they had everything they needed.

“Coleman instead withdrew cash and then deposited it in her own accounts. It was a despicable and cynical fraud against a group of very vulnerable people.

“She started by taking small amounts, but this increased as time went on.

“I’m grateful to other members of staff for raising their suspicions and for their assistance during the investigation.”

Coleman said she stole the cash as she was in debt.