How Did a Man Steal His Grandparents' Savings and Leave Them Dependent on Food Banks?

A grandson, Ashley Partington, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for terrorising and financially exploiting his elderly grandparents, leaving them destitute and reliant on food banks. Over a span of three years, he used threats and intimidation to extort approximately £5,000 from their pensions, leading to dire living conditions for the vulnerable couple.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Ashley Partington, 33, was recently jailed for his abusive behaviour towards his grandparents, aged 85 and 78, which included threats with weapons and financial coercion. The court revealed that his actions had significant repercussions, forcing the couple to seek assistance from food banks and leaving them unable to afford basic necessities. Judge Robert Linford condemned Partington's actions as "astonishingly appalling," highlighting the emotional and financial turmoil inflicted upon his grandparents.

Key takeaways

• Ashley Partington extorted around £5,000 from his grandparents over three years.
• He threatened them with knives and hammers to obtain money for his addictions.
• The couple faced severe financial hardship and relied on food banks.

Timeline: how we got here

The distressing events span several years, culminating in the recent sentencing:

• 2021: Partington moves in with his grandparents.
• 2021-2023: He begins to extort money, escalating to threats and intimidation.
• April 2023: His grandparents report the situation, leading to legal action.
• October 2023: Partington is sentenced to 30 months in prison.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week's court ruling has brought renewed attention to the case, with Judge Linford's remarks highlighting the severe impact of Partington's actions on his grandparents' lives. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of such abusive behaviour.

What was already established

Prior to the sentencing, it was known that Partington had been living with his grandparents and had engaged in coercive behaviour that left them financially and emotionally distressed. His repeated intimidation and theft had reached a crisis point, necessitating police intervention.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The case underscores the vulnerability of elderly individuals in the face of familial exploitation. Such situations may prompt discussions about safeguarding measures and support services for seniors, particularly regarding financial abuse and mental health support.

Businesses and jobs

While this case primarily concerns a domestic situation, it raises broader implications for businesses that cater to elderly care and support services. Increased awareness could lead to better training for staff in recognising signs of abuse and neglect.

Policy and regulation

This incident may prompt policymakers to re-evaluate existing regulations regarding elder protection laws and the penalties for financial exploitation. It highlights the need for stronger protective measures for vulnerable populations within the UK.

Numbers that matter

• £5,000: The amount extorted from his grandparents over three years.
• 30 months: The prison sentence imposed on Partington for his crimes.
• 85 and 78: The ages of the victimised grandparents, highlighting their vulnerability.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Coercive behaviour: A form of abuse where an individual uses threats and intimidation to control another person.
• Motability car: A vehicle provided to disabled individuals through the Motability Scheme, allowing them to have greater independence.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus should be on the well-being of Partington's grandparents. With him in prison, they may look to rebuild their lives, potentially seeking further support from social services.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, it will be crucial for the couple to engage with community resources to ensure their financial stability and emotional recovery. This may include counselling services to address the trauma experienced.

Signals to watch

• Increased reports of financial exploitation among elderly individuals could indicate broader societal issues.
• Legislative changes regarding elder abuse protections may be discussed in Parliament.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage vulnerable individuals to seek help if they are experiencing abuse.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to local authorities or social services.

Don’t

• Ignore signs of financial exploitation or coercive behaviour.
• Assume that family members are always safe; assess each situation individually.

Checklist

• Assess the financial security of elderly relatives regularly.
• Educate family members about the signs of abuse.
• Establish open communication to ensure that concerns can be voiced safely.
• Know the local resources available for elder support and protection.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While this case serves as a cautionary tale, it is essential to acknowledge that not all familial relationships are abusive. However, the risk of exploitation exists, particularly among vulnerable individuals. It is crucial to maintain vigilance and promote awareness to prevent similar situations in the future.

Bottom line

The sentencing of Ashley Partington illustrates the grave consequences of elder abuse and financial exploitation. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and protective measures for vulnerable populations in the UK. Community support and awareness can make a significant difference in preventing such distressing situations.

FAQs

What charges did Ashley Partington face?

Ashley Partington was charged with two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour and driving while banned, leading to his 30-month prison sentence.

How did his actions affect his grandparents?

His actions left his grandparents in dire financial circumstances, forcing them to rely on food banks and unable to afford basic necessities like heating.

What legal measures were taken against Partington?

In addition to his prison sentence, Partington received a four-year driving ban and a five-year restraining order preventing him from contacting his grandparents.