Norfolk woman jailed for stealing £80,000 from vulnerable relative

A woman from Norfolk who stole £80,000 from a vulnerable elderly relative to fund her luxury lifestyle has been jailed for two years.

Karen Wakeling, 47, of Hunstanton, took the money from the woman's bank account over the course of a decade.

She used the cash to pay for exotic holidays abroad and to run her luxury car.

Police launched an investigation after concerns were raised by Norfolk Social Services in 2018.

Wakeling, who pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday.

“Wakeling abused the vulnerability of this elderly woman for her personal gain and to fund her own lifestyle," Detective Constable Gemma Weeks from Norfolk Constabulary’s Adult Abuse Investigation Unit (AAIU) said.

“The money was used to fund holidays and to run her luxury vehicle as well as to finance personal expenditure including piercings and lingerie.

“Wakeling left this vulnerable elderly lady living in less than ideal living conditions with no access to her own finances for over ten years.”