A company director has been sentenced to six years in prison for stealing more than £550,000 from her elderly stepfather's life savings. Mary Jane Haigh, 63, was found guilty of theft and two counts of fraud after a trial at Bristol Crown Court. The funds were used to finance a lavish lifestyle, including luxury holidays, horse supplies, and her daughter's wedding.
Haigh, who ran an equine transportation business, lived in a £500,000 converted barn in South Gloucestershire and enjoyed international travel. Despite presenting as a successful businesswoman, she and her husband had a combined annual income of under £50,000, insufficient to support their desired lifestyle.
Her victim, David Skippen, was left with depleted savings and taxpayer-funded care bills of £30,000 after Haigh and her husband, Michael, took control of his finances following the death of Haigh's mother, Mary, in 2011. Mr. Skippen was coerced into moving closer to the couple, eventually residing in a flat owned by Haigh's daughter, where he was charged substantial rent.
The couple registered as having power of attorney for Mr. Skippen in 2015, the same year he changed his will to include a 25% share for Haigh. During this period, Mr. Skippen's home was sold for £286,000, with the proceeds kept by the Haighs. Mr. Skippen was also charged for 'financial advice' from his son-in-law and for his daughter's care, payments that continued even after he moved into a care home in 2017 due to deteriorating health and a dementia diagnosis.
Haigh's brother, Dr. Paul Hunt, grew suspicious in 2014 and attempted to have his stepfather's circumstances investigated by various authorities, including social services and the police, but was told they could not assist with financial matters at the time. The couple formally relinquished their power of attorney in January 2020, citing an inability to contribute to Mr. Skippen's care needs. Mr. Skippen died four months later at the age of 84.
Michael Haigh died in 2023 in an incident ruled as accidental, meaning his widow faced justice alone. During the trial, Haigh attempted to blame her deceased husband, but the prosecution argued they acted together out of greed. Haigh was convicted of the offenses, which occurred between 2012 and 2020. A proceeds of crime hearing is scheduled for next year. Dr. Hunt expressed sadness over the lost time with his stepfather and the impact on his dignity, noting that justice had been served.