Carer helped herself to old man’s money claim

A woman from Middleton duped a frail pensioner out of hundreds of pounds after he became infatuated with her, a court heard.

Prosecutors say widower John Hurst (80), virtually housebound after a stroke, was persuaded to let Amanda Rix, who had been his carer, take responsibility for his financial affairs.

Unknown to his daughter, who had previously looked after his money, he agreed to secretly open a new bank account and trusted Rix with his bank card and PIN, it is claimed.

Over 12 days she allegedly withdrew £800 at ATMs in Oldham. Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court was told the thieving halted after Mr Hurst told his son he was concerned. Police were informed

Mr Hurst, of Shaw, later said later 48-year old Rix had admitted taking the cash, telling him she had been hard up.

He said she told him she would repay him.

In a statement to police, he said he couldn’t understand how she could have behaved in such a way, adding: “She took me for a ride”.

Rix had been Mr Hurst’s carer from 2010 until February last year after he had been injured in a fall.

He returned home in April, and while Rix ceased to be his official carer, she continued to visit and help him.

Though she told police this had an act of philanthropy on her part, the prosecution suggested her motive was personal gain.

Rix denies four charges of theft.

(Proceeding)