Thief preyed on elderly friend

Jun 9 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A THIEF who preyed on her elderly victim by befriending her was brought to justice.

Joan Warrington, 84, considered Irene Lee, 43, a family friend who frequently visited the widow at her home in Chester.

However, Lee was stealing from Mrs Warrington and was given a six months’ suspended sentence, at Chester Crown Court.

She was also ordered to pay £1,000 and CPS costs. Sadly, Mrs Warrington did not see Lee punished for her crimes as she died on New Year’s Day from cancer.

Lee made withdrawals from Mrs Warrington’s bank account between August 11 and 18, 2007, and September 18, 2007.

She was caught after the widow noticed discrepancies in her account and police looked at CCTV footage covering the cash point where the withdrawals had been made. She initially denied the crimes.

However, in April, 2008, she pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court to four out of eight charges of fraud, admitting she had stolen £1,000 in total.

Speaking of her mother’s ordeal, Joan’s daughter, Christine Lloyd, said: “Although mum had ill health, her condition deteriorated as a result of the stress.

“She was unable to sleep through worry, and the theft of her money left her in financial difficulties.”