Widow's care 'risked' by officer

The court was told Mrs Savage's health worsened

A 93-year-old dementia sufferer's place in a care home was put "in jeopardy" by a high-ranking detective who stole her savings, a court has heard.

Sussex Det Ch Insp Peter Salkeld plundered Eileen Savage's finances until she was penniless, Maidstone Crown Court was told.

David Walbank, prosecuting, said as the cost for her care increased it became apparent she could not pay for it.

Mr Salkeld, 42, of West Sussex, denies 19 charges of theft and deception.

The court heard Mrs Savage, who suffered from memory loss, confusion and depression brought on by her condition, first went to live at a Hove nursing home in March 2000.

Her place at Bon Accord was in jeopardy due to her change in financial circumstances David Walbank

She was then moved to the Bon Accord Nursing Home also in Hove for more specialised care in 2001.

Beverley Morgan, who managed Brighton and Hove City Council's over 65s community assessment team, said she increasingly needed assistance with all aspects of her health and social care.

She added: "Her financial circumstances altered and she needed financial assistance to pay for her place."

Mr Walbank, prosecuting, said: "Her place at Bon Accord was in jeopardy due to her change in financial circumstances."

The court had previously been told Mr Salkeld duped Brighton and Hove City Council into funding the care and accommodation costs of Mrs Savage.

The prosecution alleges Mr Salkeld bought her £105,000 home for himself for £55,000, selling it on two years later for £157,000, about a year after taking over her finances.

Sports car

Mr Walbank told the court Mr Salkeld stripped Mrs Savage's assets and bought items such as a sports car with the proceeds.

The alleged offences came to light after police colleagues became suspicious following a series of other, smaller-scale offences.

It is claimed Mr Salkeld bought goods for his own personal use on the force's credit card and claimed a grant from the Sussex Police Welfare Fund for £1,100 to buy caravanning equipment.

Mr Salkeld, of The Avenue, Shoreham, denies theft, obtaining property by deception and obtaining a money transfer by deception between May 1997 and September 2005.

The trial continues.