A woman has been jailed for fraud offences after she was found guilty of stealing over £140,000 from a Stoke-on-Trent care home resident.

Lyndsey Newton, 62, of Chester, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (27 January 2026) where she was sentenced to three years and six months in custody, after being convicted of fraud by abuse of position in November last year.

Newton claimed she had been given consent to take the money from the victim, who she knew, after taking over their finances in 2015.

Staffordshire Police were alerted to the incident after the resident raised concerns with the Barlaston care home staff who informed social workers.

Newton denied that she didn't have explicit permission to spend the money which bank statements revealed she had spent on home improvements, a holiday to America, shopping trips and meals out.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "Our investigation revealed that money, totalling almost £143,000, was missing from the victim's account, which meant they were at risk of losing their place at the care home.

"Sadly, the victim died in 2019. However, we continued to pursue the case, and along with her prison term, a proceeds of crime hearing relating to Newton is due to take place in June this year."

Speaking following sentencing, Detective Constable Jim Ward, of the Stoke south harm reduction hub, said: "This was a clear abuse of trust by Newton, who was adamant she was entitled to the money.

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"She offered no explanation for her activities other than her belief she had consent, which the victim denied wholeheartedly.

"Sadly, the victim died before seeing the outcome of the case, but I hope it provides some closure for the wider family involved.

"Fraud has a devastating impact on victims, destroys livelihoods and severely affects relationships.

"I am glad Newton was handed a custodial sentence for her offending and hope the case demonstrates how we will continue to do all we can to support vulnerable victims and bring those responsible before the courts."

Staffordshire Police urged anyone concerned about fraud to call them on 101, use Livechat on their website or visit the national Report Fraud website at: UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud.