Care Home Worker Jailed After Stealing Jewellery from Elderly Resident in Hastings

A care home worker from Bexhill has been jailed for 15 months after stealing sentimental jewellery from an elderly woman at a Hastings care home. The theft happened on 21 March 2024 at Bethune Court on Boscobel Road. The stolen items included a gold wedding ring belonging to the victim’s late husband, which was taken […]

A care home worker from Bexhill has been jailed for 15 months after stealing sentimental jewellery from an elderly woman at a Hastings care home.

The theft happened on 21 March 2024 at Bethune Court on Boscobel Road. The stolen items included a gold wedding ring belonging to the victim’s late husband, which was taken from her bedside table.

The victim, an 82-year-old resident, was left devastated by the loss. Her family launched a social media appeal to try and trace the missing jewellery.

A breakthrough came when a local pawnbroker recognised the ring, which had been brought in by a regular customer. The pawnbroker alerted Sussex Police, leading detectives to trace the items back to a member of staff at the care home.

Arrest and Court Case

Rita Cooney, 58, of Bexhill, who was employed as a housekeeper at Bethune Court, was arrested and charged with theft. She later appeared at Lewes Crown Court, where she was sentenced on 14 August 2025.

The judge imposed a 15-month prison sentence, with a further charge of fraud left to lie on file.

Police Condemn ‘Despicable’ Crime

Following the sentencing, PC Wesley Brickstock from the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team described the case as a serious betrayal of trust.

He said:

“This was a despicable act committed by a woman who exploited the vulnerability of an elderly resident in a place where she should be able to feel safe. Thanks to the victim’s family and the vigilance of a local pawnbroker, we were able to secure a conviction and return justice to the victim.”

Community Role Praised

The case highlighted the role of both the community and social media in supporting investigations. Police say the pawnbroker’s quick action was crucial in recovering the stolen property and ensuring Cooney faced justice.