The Bermuda Police Service welcomed the guilty pleas of Barbra Tannock at Supreme Court this morning. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted five guilty pleas to various theft charges surrounding what amounted to a $75,000 theft from the accounts of an 86 year old widow. The matter is set aside for a Social Inquiry Report and will be back in the June Supreme Court arraignments session for sentencing.

Detective Inspector Ian Tomkins of the Financial Crime Unit stated: “Cases of this nature are always difficult to investigate and prosecute, as they almost inevitably involve the misuse of trust given by the victim. The guilty pleas prevented the need for the elderly victim to give evidence.”

Chief Inspector Sean Field-Lament of the Financial Crime Unit acknowledged the dedicated work involved in securing the conviction of Barbara Tannock: “Detective Constable Paul Fenwick did an excellent job investigating this crime and presented a solid prosecution case which resulted in the guilty pleas. This case highlights the need for everyone, especially the elderly, to be extra vigilant when handling their savings and to take appropriate advice if they are requested to add signatories to their personal accounts.”