Councillor guilty of fleecing Alzheimer's victim

Former Newbury District Council chairman John Morgan (pictured) wormed his way into the trust of frail ex-publican Beryl Gittens, jurors decided.
He then gambled away a staggering £154,000 of her life savings before arrogantly trying to abuse his position as a former West Berkshire councillor to deflect investigations, Oxford Crown Court heard during the six day trial which concluded today (Monday).
As a result of Morgan’s actions, the once-proud and immaculately-dressed Mrs Gittens, who used to own the Bunk Inn at Curridge (then known as the New Inn) had to be given a pauper’s funeral when she died in 2012, aged 92, Oxford Crown Court was told.
Det Sgt Rachel Jackson said after the verdict: “Not only did Morgan defraud a vulnerable and elderly woman of a vast amount of money from the sale of her house, he also used his position on the council to arrange home care for her, lying about the victim’s financial affairs to cover the fact he had stolen all her savings.
“Despite pleading not guilty to the offence, a jury saw through his lies and found him guilty of stealing from the victim who thought he was a family friend and trusted him implicitly.”
The married father-of-three served as a councillor on Newbury District Council from 1984, becoming chairman in 1996.
He was later elected to West Berkshire Council, where he sat on the Downlands area planning committee and represented Leckhampstead, Brightwalton, Chaddleworth and West Ilsley.
Morgan, aged 75, who used to live in Beedon, is currently a Conservative councillor on Wantage Town Council and the Vale of the White Horse District Council.
He has been bailed until January 10 next year when he will be sentenced.
For the full story and background, pick up a copy of this week’s Newbury Weekly News.