Callous Glasgow cleaner stole £10k from the pensioner she worked for

Catherine Ballantyne, 61, used 84-year-old John Dunn's card to make cash withdrawals and bank transfers between February and August 2021.

Ballantyne was caught after Mr Dunn's son noticed the missing sums in his father's bank statements.

First offender Ballantyne pleaded guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court to theft.

The court heard that Mr Dunn hired Ballantyne on an informal basis in 2018 after suffering health difficulties.

The pair had initially met at Knightswood Community Centre.

Ballantyne worked three days a week for Mr Dunn, who allowed her access to his bank card for groceries and pet food.

Ballantyne also made cash withdrawals from time to time for Mr Dunn with his permission, which was usually £200 every couple of weeks.

In August 2021, Mr Dunn's son Ian Dunn reviewed his father's bank statements.

Prosecutor Lauren Aitchison said: "He noted significant cash withdrawals from cash machines between May and July 2021.

"These were £200 over consecutive days.

"Ian Dunn told his father and he said that he did not ask for such amounts to be withdrawn."

Ian Dunn requested further bank statements, which showed the extent of Ballantyne's offending.

Miss Aitchison added: "During the period of February and August 2021, he noted that Ballantyne stole £10,000 from lifting money at cash machines or bank transfers to her account at the Post Office."

Ballantyne, of the city's Blairdardie, was asked to return the card and she agreed to pay the money back.

A total of £5,000 has currently been returned to Mr Dunn.

Sheriff Louise Arrol KC deferred sentence for good behaviour until September, when the full amount is expected to be paid back.