A former paramedic, Mark Titley, 58, was given a suspended prison sentence after admitting to the theft of cash from a 94-year-old woman’s home moments after she had collapsed and died.
Titley was handed an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, at Shrewsbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to Theft in a dwelling on April 4, 2023. He was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £530 in costs and a £187 victim surcharge.
The incident occurred on June 29, 2022, when Titley was one of four paramedics who responded to a call at an address in Torrin Drive, Shrewsbury. The 94-year-old lady had collapsed in her garden, and despite efforts, she was sadly pronounced deceased after approximately 20 minutes of CPR and advanced life support.
Theft Caught on Camera: Following the pronouncement of death, Titley entered the property, allegedly in search of a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ form. He was captured on camera going through a plastic box containing cash.
The victim’s son, Mike Drage, reviewed the CCTV footage which showed Titley pocketing approximately £60 before immediately putting it back after spotting the camera. Mr. Drage stated that the discovery made him feel “disgusted and sick to my stomach.” Titley had initially denied the allegation, claiming he intended to “secure” the cash for family members. However, he later admitted to the theft.
The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) held a Conduct and Competence Committee Final Hearing on March 14, 2024. Titley, who had retired from the West Midlands Ambulance Service days after the incident, did not attend the hearing, having previously stated he did not intend to do so.
Titley was Struck Off the register. The Panel noted that the case involved dishonesty and abuse of professional position, which are serious factors that warrant the ultimate sanction. They concluded that no lesser sanction would ensure public confidence in the Paramedic profession and maintain proper professional standards.