The estranged wife of a man with dementia has been sent to jail for 12 months after she stole more than $180,000 of his money so she could buy a house and her son’s love.
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Vesna Veric had been appointed trustee of the Wodonga man’s assets, but in July 2012 stole $7000 and in October 2012 stole the remaining $181,488 of his assets. She pleaded guilty to two counts of theft and was sentenced in Wangaratta County Court this week.
Judge Frank Saccardo said Veric was supposed to notify a tribunal each time money was paid out from the estate.
Instead she gave $60,000 to their 42-year-old son who she believed hated her, spent $20,000 on a vehicle - sometimes used to transport the victim - and used the rest for herself.
“You must have been aware of the important role you played in guarding the assets of your victim,” Judge Saccardo said. “I’m satisfied that you knew what you were doing and you chose to steal most of the assets of your husband for your benefit.”
He said it was important to make it clear that dishonest behaviour from people appointed as trustees must not be abused or there will be “harsh punishment”.
“There can be no question in my mind of the seriousness of your offending and that a sentence of imprisonment is the only sentence which is appropriate,” he said.
After she finishes her jail sentence, Veric will have to complete an 18-month community corrections order.
A psychologist’s report revealed Veric spent the money on a house and was someone with a history of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, likely to take dangerous risks.
“She’s likely to be egocentric, with little regard for others or the opinions of society around her in her desire to satisfy her own impulses,” Judge Saccardo said, citing the report.
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