Telford woman stole over £1,500 from disabled friend to place bets

Samantha Whittaker had befriended the victim and had even arranged to go on holiday with her.

But the 39-year-old from Summerhill, Sutton Hill, Telford, took her friend's cash card and PIN number and helped herself to £400 per month over a four-month period which she used to place bets.

Judge Jim Tindal, sitting at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday, accepted that Whittaker was helping the victim but said: "Even the best people can find themselves in trouble. But the best people do not steal from their friends.

"You were not a carer but you were helping this woman who trusted you and you breached that trust very badly."

Neil Ahuja, prosecuting, told the court that Whittaker had been entrusted with the financial affairs of the victim which gave her access to her bank cards and bank details. She stole £1,600 from the complainant who was a friend and a neighbour," Mr Ahuja said.

"She knew her to be disabled and to have great vulnerability. Between February and May 2015 she took £400 per month without the consent of the complainant.

"She used that money to place bets. It has affected the complainant's ability to trust people and has had a huge impact on her life. It has left her depressed and caused her a great deal of stress."

Andrew Holland, for Whittaker, who admitted a charge of theft, said she had never been in trouble with the police before. He said: "The whole matter has been a frightening exercise for her."

In sentencing Whittaker to six months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, Judge Tindal said: "You are not likely to trouble the courts again but the seriousness of what you did needs to be recognised."

He also ordered her to pay back all of the money she stole and to pay £150 costs.