Man Gets 20 Months For Use Of POA In Ripping Off Elderly Mother; State Steps In, Picks Up Nursing Home Bills To Avoid Mom's Eviction

In Denbighshire County, UK, the Daily Mail reports:

• A man who took out 'power of attorney' over his elderly mum's financial affairs cheated her of £86,000, a court heard []. Stephen Moss' spending spree also jeopardised his ailing mother's placement at a residential nursing home in North Wales.

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• Mr Moss pleaded guilty to the theft [] in court and received a jail sentence of 20 months. His mother's mental health, however, is in such a condition that she is unaware of the scandal.

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• The family home was sold in March 2006 and her bank balance at that point stood at £111,000. But arrears of £4,000 quickly built up in payments for her placement. Payments were sporadic and communication with the defendant difficult. Correspondence was not answered.

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• Following a threat of legal action, Mr Moss agreed to pay £200 a month but by then the arrears reached £13,000. In view of the worsening situation, the care home contacted Denbigshire County Council in July 2008 and the council took over the funding at £500 a week. No further payments were made by the defendant after August last year.

For the story, see Thieving son uses 'power of attorney' to cheat ailing mother out of £86,000.