A woman is accused of stealing more than £15,000 from vulnerable adults and a care company supporting them.
Danielle Smith worked for Support 2 Independence in Wirral. The 40-year-old allegedly took £15,610 from the organisation and service users between 2015 and 2018.
Smith, 40, of Thornton Street, Birkenhead, used a walking stick when she appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court this morning. Rebecca Smith, defending, said the defendant had dystonia, a disorder causing difficulties in her leg.
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Ms Smith said her client was receiving treatment under a consultant at Walton neurological centre and asked whether she could be allowed to remain seated throughout the hearing. This was granted by the judge.
Smith spoke only to confirm her personal details and to plead not guilty to four counts of theft. Three of the charges involved individuals who the ECHO has chosen not to name.
According to the first charge, Smith stole £4,229 from a man between June 4, 2016 and December 28, 2017. The second charge alleges that she stole £4,571 from a woman between February 24, 2016 and May 4, 2018.
According to the third charge, she stole £5,814 from a second woman between December 19, 2016 and March 20, 2018. The fourth charge alleges that she stole £996 from Support 2 Independence between December 17, 2015 and February 18, 2017.
The court heard the two female complainants have learning difficulties and their evidence and cross-examination will be video recorded before the trial. Daniel Travers, prosecuting, said a trial, estimated to last five to seven days, could take place on January 30 next year.
Judge David Swinnerton fixed the trial for that date. He remanded Smith on unconditional bail.
Support 2 Independence, based at the Italian Lodge in Prenton, Wirral, is a not for profit organisation. It provides services across the North West to vulnerable adults with a learning disability, mental health issues or with acquired brain injuries, within their own homes or in the community.
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