A TV and radio presenter from Scotland is in trouble for taking over £100,000 from her mother, who was suffering from dementia, to spend on luxury items. Hayley Matthews, aged 43, used her power of attorney over her mother’s finances to take a total of £120,000. She spent the stolen money on things like a £1,300 handbag, swimming lessons for her kids, and various purchases from Amazon, White Company, and eBay.
Matthews admitted to taking the money between September 2019 and November 2022 when she appeared in court recently. Her mother, Janice Matthews, had been diagnosed with dementia and had an alcohol addiction, leading to her being hospitalized. Concerns about the finances arose after Janice’s death in 2021 when her daughter’s spending habits came into question.
Hayley Matthews’ sister noticed that large sums of money were missing from their mother’s bank account and contacted the police. Matthews confessed to her father that she had mishandled her mother’s money and used it for her own benefit. She spent a significant amount on luxury items and made numerous PayPal payments without authorization.
During the court proceedings, Matthews’ defense attorney stated that she was facing a serious situation and had a complex home life with her children. Despite this, Matthews was granted bail but was advised to make other living arrangements. She is awaiting sentencing and a liberty order assessment next month.
In addition to her legal troubles, Matthews has had a successful career in the media industry, working as a presenter for various TV and radio stations. She has interviewed several celebrities and worked on charitable projects. However, her reputation suffered after she was accused of spreading misinformation about vaccines during the pandemic.
Overall, the case of Hayley Matthews serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of power and financial exploitation, especially when dealing with vulnerable individuals like those suffering from dementia. It highlights the importance of transparency and accountability when appointed as someone’s power of attorney, as well as the consequences of irresponsible behavior.
