A nurse claimed sick pay from one hospital while she gained a new job at Warrington Hospital, enjoying holidays and getting married in Cuba while off sick, a court heard.
The pregnant mum-of-four, who obtained just over £30,000 in two different scams, appeared in a dock today (Thur) and narrowly escaped going to jail.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Oakes began working as a nurse at Whiston Hospital, Merseyside, in October 2015 until she resigned on August 28, 2019.
“Prior to that she had been off sick since February, saying she was unfit because of chronic hip pain and had surgery to her foot.
“During her sickness her manager maintained contact and there were a number of welfare appointments which she failed to attend and while off work she provided three sick notes which were fraudulent,” said Sarah Holt, prosecuting.
She said that the prosecution could not say how she came to be in possession of them but she had accepted they were.
“On January 31, 2019, while she was working at Whiston Hospital she attended a nurses open day at Warrington and Halton NHS Trust and interviewed for the position of staff nurse and was conditionally offered the job.
“She gave the names of two referees, one her personal tutor at university and the second was a senior nurse at her employers, St Helens and Halton NHS Trust.”
Miss Holt said that that reference was not pursued but she was asked to identify that referee and gave an incorrect email address. That reference had not been provided by that employee.
She started the job as nurse at Warrington Hospital in August 2019 while still employed at Whiston Hospital. She worked a number of days before going off sick for periods and her employment continued until May 2021 when she was dismissed.
Prior to that because of claims of fibromyalgia and her early pregnancy the Trust ensured she did not work long days, said Miss Holt.
She explained that she had worked legitimately at Whiston Hospital but had obtained the Warrington job by providing a false reference and would not have been entitled to the job and wages if the truth had been known.
She had two trips to Cuba while off sick, as shown on her Facebook account, saying she had gone there to meet her boyfriend and then returned to marry him.
Oakes, aged 44, of Westwood, Windmill Hill, Runcorn, pleaded guilty to two offences of fraud by false representation
Patrick Williamson, defending, told the court, “That work with the second trust must have been on some value, albeit the job was obtained fraudulently.”
He said there was no indication of any inappropriate behaviour on her part or falling short in the job.
“She worked at Whiston for four years but at the beginning of 2019 a number of matters arose personally and professionally which led to her behaviour in consequent months.
“At work, she maintains that she was subjected to bullying. She had been in a same-sex relationship for four years and received comments she described as homophobic,” said Mr Williamson.
She obtained the job at Warrington Hospital by providing one legitimate reference and she forged the other one. “In the following six months she has provided forged notes and false information about sickness.”
He said she had a miscarriage and mental health problems. During the six month period she visited Cuba and is now married to the man she originally met in 2017.
Mr Williamson said she has since obtained work as a community nurse with Bridgewater Community Trust who are aware of the court proceedings and considering her position. “Her job is potentially in jeopardy.”
Judge Anil Murray queried what action the Nursing and Midwifery Council has taken and was told apparently none.
The defence barrister said that she had trauma in her early childhood and possible PTSD and bi-polar affective disorder is currently being investigated.
He pointed out that if she was sent straight to jail her husband would have to give up his warehouse job to look after the children, the youngest two being aged four and seven months old. He would be unable to obtain benefits as he is here on “a married visa.”
Judge Murray said that Oakes, who is currently on maternity leave, had admitted the offences three years ago and queried why it had taken so long to come to court but the prosecution was unable to supply an answer.
Sentencing Oakes he said she has no previous convictions and is currently receiving medical treatment and has “strong personal mitigation.”
He sentenced her to 14 months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered her to carry out 20 days rehabilitation activities.
1 Comment
What a tangled web. A good honest profession and she had to blow it.