Jailed: Carer who stole thousands from the goddaughter of Fred Astaire who lived in Maida Vale
Marva Damalie has been jailed for three years (Pic credit: Central News) - Credit: Archant
A carer who stole thousands from the goddaughter of Hollywood icon Fred Astaire and used the funds to buy a bar in Jamaica and pay for lavish holidays has been jailed for three years.
Raymond Banton was given a suspended jail sentence (Pic credit: Central News) - Credit: Archant
Marva Damalie, 50, plundered cash and showbiz memorabilia from Eileen Pattison, who lived in sheltered accommodation run by Westminster Council in Fermoy Road, Maida Vale, and continued to do so three months after the 102-year-old died.
Southwark Crown Court heard Damalie was the sole carer for Mrs Pattison, who had featured in films and was a professional dancer at Sadler’s Wells.
The thieving mother-of-three also drained £41,000 from her victim’s severely disabled neighbour Charles Trinder to fund a luxury lifestyle including buying a bar in Jamaica, holidays and flash cars.
Mr Trinder was 95 when he died this year and was left relying on just £50 a week after Damalie left him ‘penniless’.
Fred Astaire was the godfather of Eileen Pattison (Pic credit: PA) - Credit: PA Archive/Press Association Images
The council were tipped off anonymously about suspicious activity on Mrs Pattison’s bank account but only a ‘minimal investigation’ was ever carried out.
The case was then revisited earlier this year when the financial records were examined.
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A search of Damalie’s home revealed a taste for designer goods and opulent motors. Records revealed she took four holidays to Jamaica, a jaunt to Cyprus and a break in Tunisia between 2012 and 2014.
Damalie’s husband Raymond Banton, 51, admitted possession of criminal property relating to £2,440 transferred to him by his wife.
Despite living on benefits, he boasted an Audi TT, a Range Rover and a convertible Mercedes all of which were insured for Damalie to drive.
He was handed a six month sentence suspended for a year and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Damalie admitted three counts of fraud and one of transferring criminal property.
