Ward manager jailed after stealing cheque

5:48pm Friday 11th January 2008

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A man tried to cash a cheque for £3,500 that he stole from a patient while working in Tolworth Hospital was today given a custodial sentence.

Abdi Yussef, 38, was working as ward manager in Magnolia ward at the hospital when he stole the cheque from Anthony Gould who had been admitted to the hospital in April 2006.

Yussef was suspended from his job in June 2006 after it emerged he claimed his father had died in Sweden and wanted compassionate leave when he was actual on remand in custody for a drink-driving offence.

Mr Gould's daughter, Nicola Williams, said she was overjoyed when Yussef was handed a 12 months sentence, serving a minimum of six months.

She said: "We have to send out a message to people in these kinds of positions that they cannot abuse and take advantage of vulnerable people."

Sentencing, Judge Bennet-Jenkins said: "These were atrocious offences.

"I need to make two things clear, the public disgust at the offences and to ensure that the public understand those who take these steps will be punished."

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