Woman jailed for four years and three months for fraud by false representation

A woman was jailed for a total for four years and three months after pleading guilty in court.

Joanne Rentle, aged 43, of Stretcher Drive, Berkshire, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on 17 January 2025 following a guilty plea.

An investigation by the Adult At Risk Investigation Team (AARIT) led to Rentle being charged with two counts of fraud by false representation.

She was sentenced to a total of four years and three months and must serve at least two years prior to any consideration of being released on license.

Between April 2018 and May 2019, Rentle was working as a private carer for an elderly couple based in Rickmansworth where she gained complete trust of them, and from the very beginning began taking advantage of them for financial gain.

Whilst Rentle was involved with the couple, she used/stole their money to purchase goods, services and withdrew cash that totalled to over £32,000. She also stole food from the house.

Rentle manipulated the couple and turned them against their own family to keep her secret, creating worry, anger and confusion in the final years of an elderly couple who had been married for 63 years.

Sadly, the couple have both passed away prior to the sentencing.

During sentencing, the Judge commented that Rentle’s behaviour was a “gross breach of trust from the outset”.

Commenting on Rentle removing all food from the couple’s freezer and turning it off, the Judge described it as “the most disdainful piece of evidence he has had to listen to”.

Detective Constable Sarah Hopkins, from the Adult At Risk Investigation Team (AARIT), said: “Sadly, the victims of this callous crime were not able to see justice being done, however I hope that this sentencing will help give closure to the family.

“I also want to take this opportunity to commend now retired Detective Constable Eleanor Hancock-Denniss who led this investigation, her brilliant work led to the imprisonment of Rentle.”

Visit Action Fraud or our crime prevention pages for advice on avoiding fraud. Regular fraud and cybercrime awareness sessions are run in Hertfordshire, visit: Hertfordshire County Council library events to find out more.

Please share this advice with vulnerable family members and friends. If you believe you may have been a victim of fraud report it to Action Fraud  on 0300 123 2040.

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