Aged care worker Joanne Whyte accused of stealing $17k from client

An aged care worker has been accused of defrauding a vulnerable, elderly client, allegedly stealing $17,000 from her bank account over 130 occasions.

An aged care worker has been accused of defrauding an elderly, vulnerable client, allegedly stealing from her bank account on more than 100 occasions.

Illawarra woman Joanne Whyte was arrested two days before Christmas, after police claim she stole almost $17,000 from one of her home care ­clients.

Police allege that on 130 ­occasions she accessed her ­female client’s bank account, but transferred the money to herself.

The 51-year-old has denied the allegations, while police say there are “several” more charges to be laid against her.

In documents tendered to Port Kembla Local Court this week, police allege Whyte’s ­alleged fraud began in January 2018 and continued until her arrest last month.

Joanne Whyte arrives at Port Kembla Court on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The elderly client, whom Whyte assisted at her south coast home, was under the ­financial management of the NSW Trustee and Guardian at the time.

The 51-year-old was present during her first court hearing on Wednesday, supported by her husband, as she pleaded not guilty to one count of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.

Whyte was employed by Australian Unity Home Care Services at the time of some of the alleged offending, however, her role was terminated before her arrest.

The Saturday Telegraph contacted Australian Unity regarding the allegations against Whyte, with the company confirming it was aware of the criminal proceedings.

“Australian Unity can confirm that a former employee, Joanne Whyte, was arrested on charges relating to fraudulently obtaining a financial advantage and that the allegations in relation to this charge includes a period when she was employed with Australian Unity. Ms Whyte is no longer employed with Australian Unity,” a spokesman for the company said.

“Australian Unity has fully co-operated with the NSW Police since notification of the investigation.

“However, as this matter is being managed by law enforcement authorities, Australian Unity is unable to provide any further comment at this time.”

Whyte was granted police bail following her arrest and as a condition must report to Lake Illawarra Police Station once per week.

She will return to court in February.

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