A Swindon man who stole jewellery worth over £95,000 from a woman with dementia has been jailed – and ordered repay the money.
Ian Foster committed the crime when he was employed as a gardener and estate manager by the late Verina Black at her home in Shefford Woodlands, near Hungerford.
The 60-year-old, of Homington Avenue, took a Van Cleef, and Arpels diamond bracelet and diamond pave ear clips belonging to the then-victim between between 2015 and 2016.
Foster had been employed by Mrs Black from 2004 up until her death in 2018.
Following her death it was discovered that the two items of valuable jewellery were missing and Thames Valley Police launched an investigation.
Detectives found that the valuable items were then sold to pawnbroker in London, with the proceeds being used to purchase a property.
Foster was arrested on 25 July 2018 and charged with theft by an employee on 21 July 2021.
A trial took place at Reading Crown Court. Foster denied that he had stolen the items from Mrs Black and said she had gifted them to him.
However, it was apparent that Mrs Black was sadly suffering with dementia for several years and a firm of solicitors was instructed to act as her power of attorney.
Her capacity was assessed in 2016/17 and it was determined that she lacked necessary capacity and was not able to understand the value of money or the value of the items of jewellery.
At Reading Crown Court, Foster was convicted in August 2024 by jury and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on 13 September 2025.
The same court, at a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing on 26 November, ordered that he must repay £95,923.38 or face a further nine months behind bars.
A Restitution Order was also granted to return the ear clips back to the estate of the victim, in this case The Verina Black Charitable Trust.
Jacqueline Mackay, Thames Valley Police Financial Investigator, said: “This substantial confiscation order demonstrates very clearly that Thames Valley Police is committed to the prosecution of criminals who cause serious loss to victims.
“Additionally it highlight the forces’ commitment to recover losses for victims under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
“We are delighted that the confiscation order will provide compensation to the victim in this matter The Verina Black Charitable Trust.”
