Manchester polygraphs used in fraud case
The case
Cheryl Ann Stringer, 54, defrauded Anne Blackham, 82, and splurged the pensioners money. The callous carer fitted her home with new carpets and curtains with the ill-gotten cash. Stringer was one of four members of staff supposed to be looking after Mrs Blackham. She was employed by a care home in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Mrs Blackham had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, having moved to the home in December 2019. The fraud happened between November 2020 and January 2021. Sadly Blakham passed away shortly after the fraud took place.
Stringer’s sentencing
Stringer was sentenced to two years in jail for dishonestly. She was ordered to pay her family more than £25,000 – or face more time in prison. Judge John Edwards warned Stringer a six-month prison sentence would be imposed if she defaulted on the payments, Manchester Evening News says. The Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court heard Stringer had stolen money from her victim at the rate of nearly £2,500 a week. “Benefit is in the sum of £25,521,” Adam Watkins, prosecuting, told the court. “The court is invited to order that be paid by way of compensation to the estate of Mrs Blackham. “Total time to pay is three months.” Stringer appeared via video link from HMP Styal in Cheshire for the short hearing.
Manchester police
Greater Manchester Police said Mrs Blackham’s nephew, who held power of attorney along with her solicitor, was responsible for providing his aunt with food and medical supplies. He had access to her online back account. On January 23, 2021, he logged into the account, and saw that £300 had been taken out in cash. He knew his aunt was bedbound, and would have been unable to make that withdrawal herself, GMP said.
Firstly, the newphew checked bank statements and discovered a large number of purchases and cash withdrawals from the account. This included a payment to an electrical goods wholesaler. Secondly he learned his aunt’s bank card was missing, and put a stop on the account to prevent further transactions. Finally he alerted the police. In total, Mrs Blackham’s bank card had been fraudulently used to make payments and cash withdrawals resulting to over £24,840 in stolen money.
The purchases
Cops established that Stringer had purchased a number of appliances, using a debit card with a number matching Mrs Blackham’s bank account. CCTV recovered from supermarkets and bargain stores, also showed Stringer making cash withdrawals from ATMs and inside at the self-scan checkouts, that matched with transactions on Mrs Blackham’s account. A search warrant was carried out on February 19, 2021 at Stringer’s home resulting in her arrest. She admitted buying a number of items using Mrs Blackham’s bank card, including a gas oven, a tumble dryer and clothing just for example.
Home renovations
It was also clear that her home had recently had new carpets and curtains fitted. Stringer’s assets were frozen before she pleaded guilty at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on October 18, 2021. Financial Investigator Mark Chesters from Greater Manchester Police said: “This was a despicable crime. Not only was it against a vulnerable elderly woman, but also affected her family”. “Ensuring that criminals do not profit from their conduct makes the point that whatever you take, you will have to pay it back. We hope this sends a powerful message to anyone considering taking something that doesn’t belong to them” Continued Chesters.
Polygraph testing in fraud cases
If Stringer had been made to take regular polygraph tests as part of her employment terms then the theft could have been avoided. Employers are now making regular polygraph testing a term of employment. This works well in industries where trust is required between employees and clients, for example, finance, police/forces and now private care are considering the process. If Stringer had taken regular polygraph tests then her temptation to steal would have been deterred.
If you think someone is stealing from you or a loved one, book a lie detector test online today. You can also call our free helpline on 07572 748364 to book, or to discuss further.
