Gateshead Care Home Cleaner Sentenced to Prison for Burgling Elderly Residents

A cleaner who targeted vulnerable residents at a care home where he worked has been jailed. Anthony Whitesmith, of Coltsfoot Gardens, Felling, Gateshead, admitted two counts of burglary and was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Newcastle Crown Court.

A Serious Breach of Trust

The 45-year-old exploited his position as a trusted employee to gain access to the private quarters of elderly residents. The court was told that on 7 October, Whitesmith entered the room of a sleeping resident, stealing her purse and an engraved silver box. On 14 October, he broke into another room by smashing a patio window and took £500 in cash.

Recorder Nicholas Lumley KC remarked on the severity of the crime, highlighting that Whitesmith preyed upon the most vulnerable members of society. He stated that it was highly concerning what might have transpired had the victims woken up and confronted the intruder. Both victims reported that the incident had a devastating emotional impact on them.