A previous caregiver has been sentenced to eight years in prison for her involvement in committing violent burglaries at the residences of seven elderly individuals whom she had previously cared for, reports RTE.
Precious Moyo, 38 years old and originally from Zimbabwe, who resided at the Athlone Accommodation Centre in Lissywollen, Athlone, Co Westmeath, admitted to charges of burglary and aggravated burglary between June and September 2023.
Furthermore, another individual has received a six-year prison sentence for his participation in the offences that took place in Athlone during the same period, reports RTE.
Yamen Alhamada, 20, who arrived in Ireland from Syria to escape the conflict, had an address at Warren Grove, Boyle, Co Roscommon and also pleaded guilty to the same charges.
Judge Keenan Johnson characterized the crimes as “nasty” and described the impact on the elderly victims, aged between 73 and 89, as devastating.
The judge noted that the crimes had severely undermined the victims’ sense of security, to the point where some can no longer live independently, reports RTE.
During a prior session at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, it was revealed that Ms. Moyo had worked for a home help agency for a year, during which she gained “intimate” knowledge about the victims’ homes.
Her accomplice, Mr. Alhamada, had completed his Leaving Certificate and was offered a place in college.
However, he began to misuse alcohol and drugs and assisted Ms. Moyo after she lost her job with the agency due to complaints from clients.
Prosecution attorney John Hayden indicated that four of the incidents transpired in residential areas in Athlone, with another occurring about five kilometers outside the town between June 14 and September 8 of last year, reports RTE.
The majority of the stolen funds belonged to a funeral fund intended for two sisters.
Detectives Niall Cogavin and Kenneth Nerney presented the case against the two offenders.
The court learned that the victims were traumatized; three of them were assaulted in their own homes, and the former carer threatened one, saying, “We’ll be back,” reports RTE.
The first burglary happened at the residence of a 73-year-old woman.
Ms. Moyo, dressed in a high-visibility vest and wearing a Covid-19 mask, lingered outside her house for two hours before stealthily taking a handbag containing €24,000.
After the incident, Ms. Moyo ran to a taxi and returned home.
The court heard that Ms. Moyo instilled immense fear in her victim, who now constantly secures her home, resulting in a significant change in her life, reports RTE.
The victim’s sister revealed that she had to move in permanently due to her sister’s overwhelming fear.
“This money was meant for our funerals. My sister’s heart and mine are shattered; we are now extremely anxious about how we will afford our funerals,” reports RTE.
Only €2,250 of the stolen amount was recovered.
A niece shared with the court that the financial loss and emotional trauma were significant, reports RTE.
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