A thieving Nottinghamshire carer stole from a 93-year-old woman she was meant to be looking after.
Siobhan McHale, 26, of Cheapside, Worksop, admitted an offence of theft when she appeared at Mansfield Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 19th September 2023.
Theft is an offence contrary to section 1 of the Theft Act 1968. The maximum penalty is 6 months' custody on summary conviction; 7 years' custody on conviction on indictment. We have previously written an article on the legalities surrounding theft.
Magistrates heard that the elderly victim's niece became suspicious when cash started disappearing from her aunt's home.
A covert CCTV camera was installed, which overlooked the elderly lady's living room. The niece also had the presence of mind to photograph the serial numbers of banknotes that came into her aunt's possession.
McHale visited the elderly lady's home on Thursday, 17th November 2022. Footage from the covert camera caught her rummaging about in a bureau in the living room, removing items and placing them in her pocket.
The victim's niece visited later in the day to take her aunt to a hair appointment. On checking the bureau it was discovered that £100 of cash was missing.
The police were called and arrested McHale later that same day. A purse was found that contained five bank notes stolen from the elderly lady.
Magistrates were of the opinion that McHale's offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate. However, for reasons that are not immediately obvious, they have decided to suspend the custodial period.
McHale was sentenced to 16 weeks' custody suspended for 12 months, with the requirement that she complete 120 hours' unpaid work and up to 20 days' rehabilitation activity.
She was also ordered to pay £20 compensation. Although not reported, a surcharge of £154 and prosecution costs of £85 would usually be payable.
Speaking after McHale's conviction, Detective Constable Emma Beardmore, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This frail and vulnerable victim was left feeling very shaken and scared as a result of McHale stealing money from her while she was in the house.
"Hopefully McHale will now be able to reflect on her actions and the impact of her despicable behaviour."
I have to say that I find the £20 compensation a bit of an unusual one, but I'm sure there must be some sort of logic behind it.
No comments:
Post a Comment