Woman’s Heartbreak After Husband’s Carer Steals Jewellery and Cash

Louise Woollam’s trust was shattered when Rachel Goodman, the carer for her husband Richard, stolen jewellery and cash from their home. Richard, who is living with advanced Alzheimer’s, depended on Goodman’s care—but instead, Goodman exploited their vulnerability.

Rachel Goodman, 54, from Yeovil, was handed a 12-month suspended sentence by Weymouth magistrates, alongside 12 rehabilitation days, 200 hours of unpaid work, a two-year restraining order, and ordered to pay Louise Woollam £1,000 plus £272 in court costs.

The court revealed Goodman already had three previous convictions for theft and deception, including a suspended sentence for a similar offence in 2010. Shockingly, a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check failed to uncover her criminal history.

Louise described the profound impact of the betrayal: “She stole more than objects—she stole my trust. This betrayal forced me into the heartbreaking decision to place my husband in residential care, which was never what I wanted for him. The emotional and physical toll has been overwhelming.”

Louise has launched a campaign for “Richard’s Law,” aiming to strengthen care standards in England to match protections in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Her letter to MP Simon Hoare highlights a critical gap: private carers are not legally required to be qualified or registered, and convictions for theft may not appear on basic DBS checks.

MP Simon Hoare responded, confirming he has raised Louise’s case with government departments responsible for social care.

Police recovered a 250-year-old stolen necklace and currency from Goodman’s home in 2024, but other precious items, including a gold and diamond engagement ring inherited by Louise, remain missing.

This case underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations and vetting in home care, ensuring vulnerable adults receive the safety and respect they deserve.