A carer who withdrew money from a disabled man’s account and used it to buy himself expensive goods from John Lewis and Amazon has been jailed. 

Simon Rouse, 50, had been caring for the victim, who had multiple complex needs, for years. 

His role was to help with daily tasks, trips out and withdraw money needed for food and provisions. 

In July 2021, a colleague alerted managers to some strange activity on the victim’s account. 

It showed the withdrawals made from the account didn’t tally with what had been recorded on an income and expenditure form. 

It also showed some expensive items had been purchased from John Lewis and Amazon, which didn’t appear to belong to the victim. 

Rouse, of Frederick Drive, Peterborough, was arrested at his home in August 2021.  

Designer goods, bank and loan statements and his mobile phone were seized. Officers investigating soon discovered Rouse was also in significant debt. 

Rouse pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court yesterday (5 April). 

Detective constable Helen Williams, who investigated, said: “This was a blatant abuse of trust and position.  

“Rouse took advantage of a vulnerable man who he knew wasn’t able to keep a track of his money. 

“Being in debt is no excuse for what he did and he knew he was doing wrong. 

“I am glad justice has been done today and hope this brings some comfort and reassurance to the victim.” 

For more on fraud, visit the dedicated pages on Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website.