Warnings about care home fraudster were raised years before forged will

Jamiel Slaney-Summers, who promoted herself on LinkedIn as having over 20 years of experience in health and social care and the ability to "quickly build trust," has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison. She attempted to steal the 175,000 life savings of 85-year-old Rita Barnsley by forging a will using colored pens, varied handwriting, and mismatched signatures.

Slaney-Summers conspired with Graham and Lyn Walker, former owners of Amberley Care Home in Brierley Hill, Dudley, where Miss Barnsley had resided for just over a year. The trio also stole approximately 6,000 from Miss Barnsleys bank account. Amberley Care Home, which accommodates around 25 residents, some with dementia, is now under new management.

Concerns about Slaney-Summers' behavior date back more than a decade, including allegations of selling pets fraudulently and attempting to harm a former colleague. Former coworkers have questioned why she was allowed to continue working in care despite repeated warnings.

Miss Barnsley's cousin, Verna, raised suspicions with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in September 2021, one month after the residents death. This prompted a year-long investigation by trading standards led by Kuldeep Maan, who believes the fraudulent will may have been created posthumously. Mr Maan suggested Slaney-Summers gambling habit could have motivated the theft and described her as the ringleader, calling her the most eccentric person he had prosecuted.

During her trial, Slaney-Summers made multiple attempts to delay proceedings, citing illnesses and a supposed suicide attempt, both of which were disproven. Former colleague Alex Cooper-Kite revealed that Slaney-Summers had bullied her in 2014 at Breach House, spiking her drinks and spreading false allegations, leading to a successful employment tribunal award for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.

Other warnings came from Julie Collett, who worked with Slaney-Summers at Clent View Apartments in 2017 and reported tampering with client records and finances. The concerns were reportedly not acted upon. Edgeview Homes, the provider, stated Slaney-Summers failed her probationary period and no clients were harmed during her employment.

Further incidents emerged even during the 2023 investigation into Miss Barnsley's abuse. Jade Just from Birmingham reported being scammed when Slaney-Summers, using the alias "Joy," sold her a misrepresented dog, leaving the family out of pocket.

The Wolverhampton Crown Court jury convicted Slaney-Summers and the Walkers of fraud and theft in just over an hour. Dudley Trading Standards continues to receive new allegations, including reports from other care homes dating back to 2008 and claims of offering cosmetic procedures on social media.

The CQC emphasized the importance of safeguarding measures in social care and encouraged reporting of concerns to ensure residents' safety. West Midlands Police stated there are no ongoing investigations but will review new evidence if presented.

Author: Ethan Caldwell