Caught on Medicam - Carer stole cash from wallet of 87-year-old man in the Midlands

A judge has directed that a probation report be compiled on a carer who visited the home of an 87-year-old man in the Midlands to look after him and instead stole €100 from his wallet.

Mikhail Sergeevich (30) of Derawley, Drumlish, Longford pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the theft offence at Currygrane, Ballinalee on October 8, 2024.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said the defendant was employed as a full-time carer by the subcontractor from a private company through the HSE.

The court heard Mr Sergeevich attended the residence of the injured party in Currygrane twice daily for an 18-month period.
"He assisted in the general housework, maintenance and care of the injured party.

"On October 4, 2024 a Medicam was installed by a family member in the bedroom of the injured party as they were concerned that he may fall out of the bed or trip and fall and it recorded the events."

Sgt Mahon said the injured party's son was checking the Medicam on October 8 last year to make sure that it was working correctly he observed the carer on the footage in his father's bedroom at around 9.30am.

"The carer was on his own and he could be seen clearly as he proceeded to take the injured party's wallet from his trousers, which was hanging on the back of the chair.

"He took €100 in cash from it, placing it into his own pocket before leaving the wallet back in the trousers, leaving the trousers on the chair and then leaving the room."

Sgt Mahon said Mr Sergeevich was subsequently arrested by Gardaí and taken for questioning where he made full admissions and he was cooperative.

He apologised and he returned the €100 to the injured party on October 27, 2024.

His employment was terminated and he is now employed in another industry in Edgeworthstown.

Mr Sergeevich had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds, defending, said her client has been living in Ireland 27 years and he is now working in a factory where he earns €430 per week.

She stated Mr Sergeevich has always been in employment or full-time education and as a result of this offence he lost his job in a sector he had been employed in for 11 years.

"As the sergeant outlined the money was repaid and he did meet with the injured party and he did apologise to him.

"This was something that had never happened before or since and he is very apologetic and he has never been in trouble before."

Ms Reynolds said Mr Sergeevich had brought the sum of €400 to court in the hope that you may consider a contribution to the court poor box and the Probation Act.

Judge Bernadette Owens addressed Sgt Mahon and asked, "It appears that this was a once off based on your evidence to me", however, Sgt Mahon indicated the situation was slightly different.

The prosecuting officer replied, "I've only the evidence of a once off."

Ms Reynolds addressed Judge Owens and stated, "It is only one offence, he has only been charged with one offence and only one offence has been investigated."

Judge Owens decided to direct that a probation report be compiled on the defendant in order to learn more about his background before sentencing.

The case was subsequently adjourned until November 4 next.