A CARE home said it responded “swiftly” when it learned of suspicions over the activities of a staff member who was recently jailed.

Faye Banks received an eight-month sentence for theft and use of bank cards of two dementia-suffering elderly residents at St Margaret’s Care Home, in Durham.

She withdraw cash and to made online transactions, some of which were declined after “suspicious activity” was reported on one account.

The respective bans alerted relatives of both victims.

Banks, 42, of Powis Road, Sunderland, admitted two counts of theft and four of fraud by false representation at Durham Crown Court.

After the case, St Margaret’s issued a statement, saying: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents are our top priorities, so we always support taking action to protect older people in care.

“When concerns were first raised about this situation, we immediately notified the police and the Local Authority Safeguarding Adults Team, working closely with all the relevant authorities to support a thorough investigation and work towards addressing the issue.

“We also made sure the individual in question would not return to the home, and we will ensure the Disclosure and Barring Service are fully aware of their actions, which will prevent them from returning to work with vulnerable people.

“We will always respond swiftly against any colleague that falls short of the values and standards we expect, and which residents rightfully deserve.”

St Margaret's received a 'good' rating by the Care Quality Commission in Fedbruary 2020.

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