East Riding social worker cleared of stealing from user

A social worker has been cleared by a court of stealing from a service user following his death, but faces a battle to keep his job with East Riding Council after being sacked.

Stuart Jenkinson, 36, an assessment officer in adult services, appeared before Hull Crown Court charged with stealing £300 from 82-year-old care home resident Robert Cheetham, whose care he was managing.

Jenkinson, from Hull, gave evidence that Cheetham had told him that when he died he was to withdraw the money from his account and give it to Cheetham’s executor, Stephen Martin.

Money left with niece

When Cheetham died at the end of last year, Jenkinson withdrew the money, but instead of handing it over to Martin straightaway he left it for safekeeping at his niece’s house because he wanted to have a meeting with his supervisor to discuss  the matter.

However the supervisor went on holiday and then on sick leave so the meeting was delayed, the court was told.

In the meantime Martin, finding the money had been withdrawn, alerted the police and Jenkinson was charged with theft.

Jenkinson sacked

Additionally the court heard that when East Riding Council learned of what had happened an investigation was undertaken and Jenkinson was sacked from his job, though he is now appealing that decision.

Commenting following the acquittal, a spokesperson for East Riding Council said: “Mr Jenkinson has appealed against the decision to dismiss him from employment and it is not possible to comment until this internal procedure has been fully concluded.”

 


 

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