Man jailed for stealing almost £10k from vulnerable woman

Tom Ssematiko admitted four counts of fraud by false representation during May 2021, while he was employed as a care worker for the victim.

He opened her bank statements and set up online banking on her account without permission, before making three transactions to transfer money to his own account, totalling more than £9,000.

The 59-year-old, of Moor Furlong, in Stretton, Burton-on-Trent, then tried a fourth time to transfer more than £10,000 from her account but it was declined, and a block was set up by the victim’s bank.

After a genuine online purchase was stopped another carer helped the victim by taking her to her bank on 19 May, and they realised what had happened. It was then reported to police by her bank.

The care agencies Ssematiko worked for helped with police inquiries, and he was arrested in Wales on 25 May. He was questioned and subsequently charged.

Ssematiko appeared at Derby Crown Court on Monday 9 August and he was sentenced to a total of 18 months imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Richard Kubon said: “We are pleased with the result and we hope that the victim is given some comfort by the sentence given.

"This crime was a disgraceful act where Ssematiko abused his position of trust while caring for a vulnerable woman and took advantage of her for his own greed.”

For more information and advice about many different types of fraud, go to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, here: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, you can also report it online at our website, www.derbyshire.police.uk or by calling 101.

Remember if it is an emergency situation where you are intimidated, frightened, and in immediate danger, you should always call 999.