A care home worker has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after stealing sentimental jewellery from an elderly resident.
On March 21, 2024, staff at Bethune Court care home in Boscobel Road, Hastings, reported the theft after an 82-year-old woman discovered her late husband’s gold wedding ring and other jewellery missing from her bedside table.
As the investigation unfolded, the victim’s family posted a public appeal for information on social media. A local pawnbroker, recognizing the ring, informed police after it was recently pawned by a regular customer.
The suspect was identified as 58-year-old Rita Cooney, a housekeeper at the care home residing in Bexhill. She was arrested, charged with theft, and convicted.
At Lewes Crown Court on August 14, Cooney received her sentence. She was also charged with fraud, but that charge will remain on file.
PC Wesley Brickstock of the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team condemned the crime, stating, “This was a despicable act committed by a woman who exploited the vulnerability of an elderly resident in a place where she should be able to feel safe.”
He thanked the victim’s family and the vigilant pawnbroker whose cooperation was crucial in bringing Cooney to justice.
