A Perth woman is facing a custodial sentence after admitting to embezzling almost £10,000 from a vulnerable 79-year-old pensioner. Natasha Hunter, also known as Natasha Paddick, abused her position as power of attorney, siphoning off funds over a period spanning several years. The monies were reportedly squandered on a lavish lifestyle of video games and takeaway meals, sometimes ordered multiple times a day.
The serious breach of trust occurred between May 15, 2018, and March 31, 2022. Ms. Hunter had been appointed to manage the financial affairs of her then father-in-law, a responsibility that carries significant legal and ethical weight, particularly when dealing with an elderly individual. The court heard that the financial irregularities came to light due to external pressures and the diligent attention of another family member, highlighting the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the finances of older relatives.
Initially, concerns began to mount when the pensioner, residing in Perth, started receiving notices for overdue and unpaid bills from various companies, including Sky. Such alerts are often the first red flags that something is amiss with a vulnerable person’s financial management. It was these mounting missed payments that prompted a deeper investigation into the pensioner’s accounts.
The complainer’s son, Ms. Hunter’s former husband, recounted suspicions he harboured during their marriage, which ended in 2019. He observed Ms. Hunter making extravagant purchases, including computer games, mobile phones, and other items, as well as frequently ordering takeaway food. These expenditures seemed out of sync with their unemployed status at the time. Despite these misgivings, he did not confront her directly about the source of the sudden influx of cash, acknowledging that she managed all household finances.
The full extent of the financial abuse became clearer when the pensioner’s other daughter-in-law, a professional bookkeeper, meticulously reviewed his bank statements. Her expertise quickly uncovered a pattern of multiple transactions redirecting funds from the elderly man’s account directly into Ms. Hunter’s personal bank account. This evidence ultimately formed the basis of the police investigation and subsequent charges.
During proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court, Natasha Hunter pleaded guilty to the embezzlement of £9,750. This figure was a reduction from the initial charge, which had alleged the theft of a significantly higher sum of £30,000. Her admission of guilt underscores the gravity of her actions and the profound impact on her vulnerable victim.
The presiding judge, Sheriff Derek Hamilton, has deemed the case to be of such severity that he has requested an evidential hearing before sentencing. This decision was prompted by Ms. Hunter’s suggestion to social workers that another individual was involved in the wider fraudulent activities, a claim for which no one else has been prosecuted. This additional hearing is crucial as it could influence the final sentencing, with the Sheriff making it clear that a custodial sentence is a very real possibility.
Sheriff Hamilton explicitly stated, “I am going to fix a proof of mitigation, as it might have a bearing on sentencing. The accused will realise that this is a particularly serious matter involving embezzlement from a vulnerable individual. Custody has to be considered.” His comments highlight the court’s grave view of crimes that exploit the elderly and those who are reliant on others for their financial well-being. The community in Perth and Kinross will be watching closely as this case progresses, serving as a stark reminder of the need for robust oversight when individuals are granted power of attorney.
This case is a sobering reminder of the trust placed in those appointed to manage the affairs of others, particularly the elderly. The outcome at Perth Sheriff Court will send a clear message about the legal consequences for individuals who betray this trust and commit financial abuse within our community. The sentencing will undoubtedly reflect the profound impact such crimes have, not just on the immediate victim and their family, but on the wider societal confidence in such protective legal arrangements.
The serious breach of trust occurred between May 15, 2018, and March 31, 2022. Ms. Hunter had been appointed to manage the financial affairs of her then father-in-law, a responsibility that carries significant legal and ethical weight, particularly when dealing with an elderly individual. The court heard that the financial irregularities came to light due to external pressures and the diligent attention of another family member, highlighting the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the finances of older relatives.
Initially, concerns began to mount when the pensioner, residing in Perth, started receiving notices for overdue and unpaid bills from various companies, including Sky. Such alerts are often the first red flags that something is amiss with a vulnerable person’s financial management. It was these mounting missed payments that prompted a deeper investigation into the pensioner’s accounts.
The complainer’s son, Ms. Hunter’s former husband, recounted suspicions he harboured during their marriage, which ended in 2019. He observed Ms. Hunter making extravagant purchases, including computer games, mobile phones, and other items, as well as frequently ordering takeaway food. These expenditures seemed out of sync with their unemployed status at the time. Despite these misgivings, he did not confront her directly about the source of the sudden influx of cash, acknowledging that she managed all household finances.
The full extent of the financial abuse became clearer when the pensioner’s other daughter-in-law, a professional bookkeeper, meticulously reviewed his bank statements. Her expertise quickly uncovered a pattern of multiple transactions redirecting funds from the elderly man’s account directly into Ms. Hunter’s personal bank account. This evidence ultimately formed the basis of the police investigation and subsequent charges.
During proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court, Natasha Hunter pleaded guilty to the embezzlement of £9,750. This figure was a reduction from the initial charge, which had alleged the theft of a significantly higher sum of £30,000. Her admission of guilt underscores the gravity of her actions and the profound impact on her vulnerable victim.
The presiding judge, Sheriff Derek Hamilton, has deemed the case to be of such severity that he has requested an evidential hearing before sentencing. This decision was prompted by Ms. Hunter’s suggestion to social workers that another individual was involved in the wider fraudulent activities, a claim for which no one else has been prosecuted. This additional hearing is crucial as it could influence the final sentencing, with the Sheriff making it clear that a custodial sentence is a very real possibility.
Sheriff Hamilton explicitly stated, “I am going to fix a proof of mitigation, as it might have a bearing on sentencing. The accused will realise that this is a particularly serious matter involving embezzlement from a vulnerable individual. Custody has to be considered.” His comments highlight the court’s grave view of crimes that exploit the elderly and those who are reliant on others for their financial well-being. The community in Perth and Kinross will be watching closely as this case progresses, serving as a stark reminder of the need for robust oversight when individuals are granted power of attorney.
This case is a sobering reminder of the trust placed in those appointed to manage the affairs of others, particularly the elderly. The outcome at Perth Sheriff Court will send a clear message about the legal consequences for individuals who betray this trust and commit financial abuse within our community. The sentencing will undoubtedly reflect the profound impact such crimes have, not just on the immediate victim and their family, but on the wider societal confidence in such protective legal arrangements.