Caregiver turns crook - Nurse steals from vulnerable patient

A hidden camera was used by a Corporate Area resident to prove to investigators that her nurse aid was stealing from her home.

The declaration was shared by prosecutors in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, when the nurse, Javana Shaw, pleaded guilty to simple larceny and malicious destruction of property. It was shared that on July 30, the complainant placed $10,000 in her drawer and a day later, realised that the funds were missing. On August 1, the complainant installed a camera in her room and days later, footage recorded Shaw, 25, searching the complainant's room. A report was made to the police and when Shaw was cautioned by investigators, she admitted to taking the money as well as other items. The court heard that Shaw broke a lock in order to gain access to the complainant's room.

Shaw paid $10,000 in court and is expected to return on a later date to make further restitution.

"Come back [to court] on the sentencing date and tell me why I shouldn't send you to prison. You get a chance to speak to me," Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell said.

"I don't trust you," the judge added, before making Shaw the subject of a fingerprint order. The matter was adjourned until November 27, when the nurse is to be sentenced.

- T.T.