AN elderly abuse organisation has spoken out over the tame sentencing of a woman who left an 83-year-old with just 20p to her name.

Action on Elder Abuse issued a written statement condemning Elizabeth Shimell, 67, who stole £12,500 from a care home resident to help a friend in need in Ghana, which turned out to be a scam.

Olive Sage, 83, had granted Shimell joint power of attorney of her finances when she moved into a care home because of her dementia.

Gary Fitzgerald, chief executive of Action on Elder Abuse, said he was angered to read about the case in Monday’s Gazette.

READ MORE: OAP STEALS £12,000 FROM DEMENTIA-STRICKEN FRIEND

He added: “Because the perpetrator had some personal difficulties at the time of the offence, she received just an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years as punishment, and will pay her victim £60 a week compensation.

“The judge said Shimell did not get off ‘scot-free’. We very much disagree.

“This was not a punishment, not a deterrent and certainly not justice for the victim.”

Shimell, of Bellfield Avenue, Brightlingsea, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court last Friday.