Imagine saving for a lifetime milestone, only to have your plans shattered by someone you trusted. That’s exactly what happened to a 91-year-old couple in Widnes, Cheshire.

Their 70th wedding anniversary was marred by betrayal when their teenage carer, Olivia Hannah, stole their savings after learning she was pregnant.

Olivia Hannah, a 19-year-old carer, was struggling to make ends meet.

One day, while working at the home of John and Christina Shwenn, she discovered a stash of money.

Waiting for John to leave for an appointment, she seized the opportunity to steal £6,000 intended for a family cruise celebrating the couple’s platinum anniversary. Christina, who was hard of hearing, remained unaware of the theft happening right behind her.

John Shwenn noticed something was amiss upon returning home. The unusually made bed prompted him to check the drawers, revealing the missing money.

His son contacted Premier Care, and a manager confronted Hannah.

Initially reluctant to talk, she eventually produced £2,000 when told the police were involved. She was dismissed from her job and allowed to return home.

Days later, police searched her property but found no trace of the remaining £4,000.

Court Proceedings

At Warrington Combined Court, Hannah claimed she only took £2,000, which she returned.

The crown disputed this, but magistrates accepted her plea, determining the amount stolen wouldn’t affect her sentence.

Hannah’s defense, led by David Robb, portrayed her as a young woman who made a desperate, foolish mistake due to the stress of an unexpected pregnancy.

Sentencing and Reflection

Magistrate Robin Bradshaw sentenced Hannah to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered her to complete 20 rehabilitation days.

He acknowledged the significant breach of trust and the psychological harm caused to the Shwenns but also noted Hannah’s lack of previous convictions.

Despite the serious offense, her sentence was suspended, and she was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation for the psychological impact on the victims.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of betrayal and the complexities surrounding acts of desperation.

Olivia Hannah’s actions not only affected her life but deeply wounded a couple who had welcomed her into their home, forever altering their perception of trust.

TDPel Media

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