Drug habit mum stole from kind-hearted pensioner

Jan 15 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

A MOTHER stole from a pensioner who offered to lend her money to help feed her children.

But Sarah Gillard’s two children lived with their father and she wanted cash to feed a drug habit, Warrington Crown Court was told.

Gillard, 29, of Henshaw Avenue, Warrington, was made the subject of an 18-month community order after being found guilty of theft. She had denied the offence, but admitted other thefts from friends and also breaching an order.

She was also ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation programme.

Joanne Parsons, prosecuting, said Gillard visited 68-year-old Marie Anne Ellis on three occasions asking to use her phone. On the third occasion, she asked if she could borrow money to feed her children.

When the pensioner offered her £10, she spotted other notes in her purse and snatched £40.

She left, never repaid the money and was subsequently arrested.

The court heard that, while on bail, Gillard was caught shoplifting from two stores and also stole from two friends.

She had since made amends by doing favours for her friends, such as going shopping for them.