Man and woman 'abused power of attorney' over woman in her 80s

Convicted drug dealer Michelle Joanne Cooper, of Thornton Road, Bradford, and 48-year-old Mark Boyd Smith, of Horton Park Avenue, Bradford, had been due to stand trial yesterday accused of neglecting the woman, in her 80s, and abusing their position after being given power of attorney over her financial affairs.

After the pair entered guilty pleas to seven fraud charges involving sums ranging from £962 to £16,812, prosecutor Ken Green told Judge Peter Benson that the allegation of neglect or ill treatment would be left to lie on the file when the defendants were sentenced next month. The fraud offences cover a 12-month period beginning in June 2007 and Smith also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of possessing criminal property amounting to £5,570.

Although Smith’s barrister Stephen Wood handed in a basis of plea on his behalf, Cooper’s lawyer Yunus Valli told the judge the prosecution case was t had been a joint enterprise and both defendants were equally responsible.

Judge Benson formally indicated that investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act would be carried out against both defendants. He told the pair: “You’ve pleaded guilty now to this indictment, the fraud element at least.

‘’These are serious matters as you both appreciate involving the taking of money from a vulnerable old lady who put her trust in you and you must expect a significant custodial sentence in each case. You, Michelle Cooper, also fall to be sentenced for offences of supplying Class A drugs.’’ The judge said all matters would be dealt with on a date to be fixed next month and he granted both defendants bail in the meantime.

But he stressed that even though pre-sentence reports would be prepared on the pair a significant custodial sentence was the only outcome. Cooper was granted bail on condition that she now lives at an address in the Little Horton area.