Scottish Christian.com

Home > News > Scottish Christian News Monitor

Cruel church carer thief dodges jail

A Church of Scotland carer who systematically robbed a vulnerable patient has dodged jail. Elizabeth Johnston was hired by the Kirk to care for William Markey at his home - on condition she showed a "Christian commitment".

But the cruel mum-of-three stole his bank card and cash from his Halifax account.

Johnston, 40, was originally accused of stealing £28,000 from William, 57, who has had mental and physical disabilities since birth.

But she later pled guilty to reduced charges of stealing his card and £1320. At Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week Johnston was ordered to do 225 hours of community service and pay £1300 compensation to her victim.

William, of Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, gave her his card for a one-off transaction but she kept it and stole the cash over a four-year period.

The theft came to light after a co-worker at the Church's Alexandria branch became suspicious.

Bosses at the Church's Social Care Council sacked her and called police.

After the incident, Johnston split from husband Graham and moved out of her home in Clydebank.

A Church of Scotland spokeswoman said last night: "We would like to make it clear that Elizabeth Johnston is no longer in our employ after being dismissed by us for serious misconduct.

"Any suggestion of staff behaving illegally is taken extremely seriously."

Full story at Sunday Mail.