Three sons say the 'grieving process has started all over again' after the disgraced nurse who stole from their dying father was sentenced to prison.
Leanne Wallace went on a spending spree with her victim Les Rushworth's bank card on four separate occasions whilst the 84-year-old lay on his deathbed.
Sentenced at Teesside Crown Court, the 40-year-old offender 'sobbed' as she was handed the 14-month jail term, according to Teesside Live.
However, Les' eldest son, Guy Rushworth, said that while the family are pleased justice has prevailed in their father's case, they do not condone the trolling that Wallace has been subjected to on social media.
The court heard last week that one troll had threatened to burn down her home, among other comments vilifying her online.
The kind-hearted 46-year-old, who now lives in Norfolk, said: "It's difficult. We're still in shock and processing that she's actually going to prison.
"What I've not enjoyed is the abuse Leanne has been getting on social media.
"Yes she did something terrible but there's no need for the vile, personal abuse she's endured online."
Guy, who attended the sentencing hearing along with his brother Lee, also added: "I can understand her remorse but this isn't a lapse of judgement.
"It was a very greedy attempt to make her life better.
"We're still absolutely disgusted about what happened.
"Now the sentencing has happened, it feels like the grieving process has started all over again."
On the four occasions that Wallace stole from the dying Grandad, she used his card in a spending spree, buying:
- £73.99 on wallpaper, on July 12 2020
- £10.57 and £23.97 purchases from Amazon, July 12, 2020
- £699 on a bed from Home Living, on July 13, 2020
- £900 on a loan repayment to Provident, on July 13, 2020
Judge Howard Crowson told Wallace: "I find it very hard to understand that desperation led you to this.
"That looks more like greed. You have damaged the reputation of care workers in this country."
Les Rushworth had been in hospital under Wallace's care since July 3, 2020, where he was suffering from 'pneumonia, anorexia and general deterioration.'
The grandad of four from Seaton Carew was then transferred to Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool where he passed away aged 84 on July 16.
Although Les' family are now relieved the sentencing is over, Guy shared that he's still coming to terms with everything.
He said: "When we found out yesterday, there was no popping bottles or big parties, we spent time together as a family trying to understand the sentencing.
"I went to bed last night knowing mine and my brothers' victim impact statements helped put someone behind bars, it certainly doesn't rest easy on my shoulders."
Now Wallace is serving her 14 month sentence, Guy and his brothers are dealing with the aftermath surrounding their much loved Father's death all over again.
"We're three brothers in our 40s and we don't have a parent left on this earth, we're orphans come to think of it."
"We've been left with all of this and we now have chance to finally grieve our dad."
The family was also concerned that they had unanswered questions from the hospital and struggled to get hold of someone to answer them.
A spokesperson from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has released the following statement.
"The Trust is aware of the outcome of the recent case; our thoughts are with Mr Rushworth’s family at this very distressing time. The nurse is no longer employed by the Trust.
"We will be speaking to the family of Mr Rushworth to directly discuss their concerns."
