Harrogate directors banned for 13 years over care home fraud
TWO directors of a care home company that ran Granby Lodge Care Home in Harrogate have been disqualified for 13 years apiece following allegations of theft from residents.
A couple, directors of a care home company, have been disqualified after an Insolvency Service investigation found they had stolen money from residents.
Between 2012 and 2014 Thomas Gerald Atcheson and Linda Ann Atcheson stole a total of £45,010 from the residents of the care home.
Mrs and Mr Atcheson were banned until 2029 from 1 August 2016 and 4 August 2016 respectively.
During the investigation it emerged that the company had been struggling financially following an illness suffered by Mr Atcherson.
Over two years, the couple misappropriated funds of £45,010 held in trust on behalf of care home residents, for the benefit of the company.
A separate investigation by North Yorkshire Police led to the pair being convicted on 5 February 2015 on nine counts of fraud by abuse of position. They were sentenced to two years imprisonment.
they were made subject to a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act for £45,010.
Rob Clarke, Senior Investigator, said: “The Insolvency Service and The Department for Business will take firm action when we find that the behaviour of Company Directors falls short.
“In this instance Mr & Mrs Atcheson abused a position of trust that had been granted to them, to accommodate the needs of people with learning difficulties in a domestic care setting.
“They misappropriated funds from some of the most vulnerable members of society over a sustained period of two years. This disqualification should serve as a warning to other directors who choose not to act properly.”
