A Hampshire social worker has been struck off after defrauding a vulnerable resident out of more than £63,000. 

Neil Ellesmere dishonestly abused his position as a social worker to defraud the service user while employed by Queen Alexandra Hospital, say the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

A HCPC conduct and competence committee heard that in 2012 Mr Ellesmere contacted his victim's solicitors who had an enduring power of attorney over his affairs. 

Mr Ellesmere claimed he had become the manager of his affairs and provided the solicitors with details of his business ‘Surrey Home Support’.

The panel further heard that the solicitors became concerned and discovered that two cheques had been paid to Mr Ellesmere’s company.

Also, three pension sums and three Attendance Allowance totals along with further money had been paid into Mr Ellesmere’s company.

As a result of his actions, a referral was made to the police for investigation and Mr Ellesmere appeared at Aldershot Magistrates Court in October 2014 and pleaded guilty to the fraud charge.

Mr Ellesmere was committed to Winchester Crown Court and sentenced to 20 months in prison in November 2014.

Panel chairman Donald Brown said: “Mr Ellesmere, by virtue of his conviction, has undermined confidence in him and his profession.

"He has also caused harm and significant financial loss to a vulnerable service user.”

The panel decided the necessary and proportionate sanction was to strike the name of Neil Ellesmere from the register.

Neil Ellesmere was not present or represented at the hearing.