A MANAGER of a care home has been jailed for 15 months after she stole over £16,000 from a resident with severe learning difficulties.

Mavis Mary Ngwerume, who was the manager of Divine Care Solutions, a home for adults with severe learning disabilities, made numerous withdrawals from the resident’s bank account who had been placed there by Slough Borough Council (SBC).

Between June 2009 and April 2015, she dishonestly withdrew money from his account, totalling £16,551.

A probe was sparked at the Reading care home after a social worker from SBC was reviewing the resident’s care package and noticed he had spent far more money than expected.

Recorder S Campbell sentenced Ngwreume last week – referring to her crime as ‘despicable’. He criticised her for entering a not guilty plea, showing no remorse and attempting to blame both the victim and colleagues during her evidence.

Ngwerume had taken small amounts of money initially in 2009, but over the years increased this considerably as she became confident no-one would notice. She had also been sending money abroad to her children.

Ngwerume will serve half her sentence and be released on licence for the remainder. A probe into her financial affairs continues with a view to confiscation under the proceeds of crime act 2002. It is hoped the money will be recovered on behalf of the resident.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and social care at the council, said: “This is a terrible crime. As the manager of the care home, Ngwerume had the trust of a vulnerable resident and should have safeguarded their financial interests. To take advantage of someone in this way is completely wrong.

“I hope the investigation into her financial circumstances reveals that the victim can be reimbursed.”