A man with Parkinson's disease has been left distraught after a carer stole his father’s war medals.
Gerald Ellis, 77, who lives in Epsom, said he is still waiting for the police to return the war medals used as evidence in the trial of Paula Lealan, 45, of Ebbisham Road, Epsom, last month.
Lealan appeared at South East Surrey Magistrates' Court on October 10, charged with two counts of theft - one relating to Mr Ellis.
She pleaded not guilty, but was convicted on both counts and was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. She is currently appealing her sentence.
Mr Ellis, who is restricted to moving between his chair and nearby bed, said he only found out about the thefts last autumn when police found four medals in a box with his father’s name on.
He said: "We checked for them and they were gone."
His father Stephen Ellis had fought in the Navy during World War Two.
The theft has preyed on his mind and left Mr Ellis afraid for his safety.
Mr Ellis said: "I felt lousy. I thought about it all the time."
He said the carer had stolen from other elderly people, but his father’s name on the box meant the medals could be traced.
He said: "The medals nailed her."
But Mr Ellis said he could not recall her visiting. He said: "There are too many carers. I wouldn’t know her from Adam."
His sister said: "It’s absolutely disgusting that a carer should steal off a patient."
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