Support Worker Jailed for Defrauding Vulnerable Adults

Toni Wilkinson, a 46-year-old support worker from Oldbury, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for stealing over £40,000 from vulnerable adults in her care. While assisting individuals with learning difficulties during shopping trips, she misused their bank cards to withdraw cash, keeping a portion for herself. After being suspended from her job, Wilkinson reported her actions to police in August 2023, expressing remorse for her theft, which she claimed was used to settle personal debts. The Birmingham Crown Court heard that her fraudulent activities spanned from September 2021 to March 2023, affecting two victims who lacked the capacity to manage their own finances. This case highlights the ongoing issue of financial abuse against vulnerable individuals, prompting calls for increased vigilance in safeguarding against such crimes.