A SUFFOLK single mother told today of her year-long nightmare after being accused of stealing £1,700 from elderly patients in her care.Rebecca Snape, 32, of Hazel Rise, was arrested last August in connection with the allegations and was eventually charged last December but maintained her innocence throughout.

A SUFFOLK single mother told today of her year-long nightmare after being accused of stealing £1,700 from elderly patients in her care.

Rebecca Snape, 32, of Hazel Rise, was arrested last August in connection with the allegations and was eventually charged last December but maintained her innocence throughout.

On Friday a jury at Ipswich Crown Court took less than 20 minutes to find her not guilty on all charges, a verdict that has lifted a huge burden on Ms Snape and her family that has lasted more than a year.

Speaking to The Evening Star, Ms Snape described her traumatic experience which included:

having to prepare alternative legal guardianship of her 11-year-old daughter in case she was sent down

not being able to sleep at night

putting on weight

not being able to work

Speaking from her parent's Ipswich home, Ms Snape said: “It has been hell.

“I was preparing myself for worst the whole way along since I was first arrested.

“I was told I could be facing between nine months and two years in prison which was horrendous.

“I haven't slept and family life has been extremely difficult.

“Everything we have done for the past year has been tainted by this.”

Ms Snape had to explain the situation to her 11-year-old daughter and even prepare alternative legal guardianship in the event of being convicted and sent to prison.

“Sitting down and telling her what happened was very traumatic,” Ms Snape said.

“I have really got through it all thanks to support from my family and friends.

“They have been terrific throughout.”

Ms Snape is now keen to re-build her life and has applied for several jobs to get her career back on track.

“When the jury delivered its verdict I can vaguely remember jumping up and down and thanking them for their decision,” she said.

“I have got my life back,” she added.

In Summary - the court case

Rebecca Snape was accused of stealing cash and jewellery from the homes of five patients when she was employed by Premier Gold Care.

The accusations were first put to Ms Snape after William King, now deceased, complained that £600 had gone missing from his purse in July 2005.

Further complaints emerged when Premier Gold Care wrote a letter to clients informing them that Ms Snape had left their employment and should no longer be admitted into their homes.

Ms Snape told The Evening Star that other carers would have had access to the homes and was upset that her employers, who she had left to work on her own, chose to write to clients implying she was guilty of a crime.