Housebound pensioner conned by home care boss has money returned

Manx community comes together through Best Western initiative

A housebound pensioner who had her bank account emptied by a home care boss has been handed her money back thanks to the generosity of the Manx community.

The Best Western Palace Hotel and Casino has donated the proceeds from its Sunday lunch service, over three consecutive weeks, to replace the woman’s losses.

In addition hotel guests were invited to show their support through personal donations taking the total amount raised to more than £6,000.

It means the full £5,600 which Peter James Heselwood stole from the woman has now been returned.

The remaining money has been donated to Age Concern – a charity which helps the elderly and vulnerable.

Gareth Capper, Hotels Services Director, said: "The hotel management team were deeply saddened to hear of the elderly individual's plight and were keen to lend a helping hand.

“Being a part of the Isle of Man community is very important to our business so we are thrilled to have raised over £6,000 through the initiative.

“On behalf of the hotel, I’d like to extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed, from the hotel guests who generously donated, alongside the Isle of Man Constabulary and Social Services whom we collaborated closely with to ensure a successful outcome.

“With 250 Isle of Man employees across our wider group the hotel remains committed to making a positive impact in the local community and will continue to explore further opportunities for community outreach.”

Heselwood, of Cross Street in Bury, was jailed in July after stealing the money from the woman who he was caring for through his company Smiley’s People Limited.

His actions meant the woman, who lives alone, had been forced to apply for benefits and had no savings left.

You can read more about the court case HERE.