A former Merseyside Police officer has been dismissed after exploiting an elderly neighbour's trust to spend more than £30,000 on her bank card, including purchases at McDonald's, Starbucks, and Amazon.
Details of the Case
Gary Carson, who served as a response officer, began doing small jobs for his elderly neighbour as her health declined. The woman, described as 'smitten' with Carson, entrusted him with her bank card, initially allowing its use for 'ice creams' and gifts for his children.
However, between February 2020 and March 2023, Carson made numerous unauthorized transactions. These included nearly £25,000 at Tesco, over £750 at both Starbucks and Amazon, £150 at McDonald's, nearly £100 at Halfords, and over £90 at Tool Station. Payments were also made to Domino's Pizza, My Protein, O2, Uber Eats, Manscaped, and ManCave.
Misconduct and Dismissal
Carson also registered his email with the neighbour's bank accounts to facilitate transfers and online purchases, and transferred nearly £11,000 from her savings to cover expenditures. A misconduct hearing found he breached professional behaviour standards to the level of gross misconduct. He was sacked without notice and placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing future police employment.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sabi Kaur stated: 'He exploited the trust of a vulnerable, elderly woman... His behaviour was completely unacceptable and risked seriously undermining public confidence in policing.'
Criminal Investigation
A criminal investigation by Cheshire Police resulted in no charges due to the neighbour's reluctance to support prosecution. A spokesperson confirmed a case file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which decided against charges.
Background
Carson moved into his home in 2012, and the neighbour became a 'grandmother figure' to his family. After her health worsened, he performed tasks like gardening and shopping. He claimed purchases were gifts from her, but the panel found he used the account for personal benefit, stating: 'Ordinary decent people would know that it was dishonest to use a bank account to make unauthorised purchases.'
The neighbour's daughter discovered the situation in 2023 when she found unpaid bills and bank statements showing unauthorized payments. Carson denied the allegations, blaming estranged family members. The panel dismissed his claims.
