Nurse stole £750k from 99-year-old woman for cosmetic surgery and home improvements
Rebecca Louise Burwood saw the vulnerable victim "as her nanna" but stole to fund her lifestyle.
By BBC News
Rebecca Louise Burwood has been removed from the nursing register after a tribunal found that she exploited a vulnerable 99-year-old woman and obtained money and assets worth about £770,000.
Burwood, an adult nursing specialist, was working as deputy manager at Bryn Yr Haul Care Home in Flintshire when the misconduct took place.
The tribunal heard that she developed a close relationship with the woman, referring to her as “nana” and presenting herself as someone the pensioner could rely on.
Between 2017 and 2023, Burwood obtained about £370,000 from the woman. The total value rose to around £770,000 after the woman’s home, valued at approximately £400,000, was transferred into Burwood’s name.
Around £160,000 was withdrawn from cash machines, according to evidence heard by the tribunal.
The money was used for a range of expenses, including improvements to Burwood’s home, utility bills, council tax, a car and a campervan. Burwood said the campervan would be used to take the woman on day trips.
The tribunal also heard allegations that some of the money was used for personal cosmetic surgery.
It found that Burwood had manipulated the woman into becoming dependent on her and had exploited her trust for financial gain.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council described the conduct as serious misconduct and ordered Burwood’s removal from the professional register, meaning she can no longer practise as a nurse in the UK.