27.07.2024 11:50
Former BBC presenter Hayley Matthews (44) has admitted to stealing £120,000 from her mother's accounts and living a luxurious lifestyle between 2019 and 2022. The incident came to light after suspicions arose regarding the family inheritance following her mother's death in 2021. Matthews had misrepresented the value of the inheritance. Upon examining the bank accounts, the family noticed excessive spending. Matthews confessed to her crime when confronted by her father in 2022. She was sentenced to two years in prison.
Journalist and former BBC presenter Hayley Matthews confessed to stealing £120,000 from her mother's bank accounts. The 44-year-old presenter lived a luxurious life with the stolen money between 2019 and 2022.
The incident came to light when family members became suspicious about the inheritance after Matthews' mother's death in 2021. Matthews admitted her guilt in court on June 27 and was sentenced to prison on July 25.
Prosecutor Lynne Barrie stated that Matthews had abused her responsibility for managing her mother's financial affairs. Matthews had previously told her family that her mother's inheritance was worth much less than its actual value.
The family examined bank statements upon their suspicions and uncovered excessive spending. Matthews' sister reported the situation to the police.
Matthews' expenses were revealed in court: thousands of pounds in PayPal transactions, cash withdrawals, luxury store purchases, and expensive meal orders.
In January 2022, Matthews confronted her father and admitted her guilt, stating in messages, "I was terrified to use my mother's money."
This incident highlights the seriousness and consequences of financial abuse against vulnerable individuals.