Thief sent to prison

Ami Downs, 26, from Newgate Street, admitted to stealing the cash from the 81-year-old, who had recently suffered a stroke, on the afternoon of 11th August.

The court heard how the man had let her into his home to use the toilet.

The amount taken was between £3.80 and £15. Downs visited his home with another man and said he took the bulk of the money from a dresser before she took the rest.

David Verity, defending, said his client felt ashamed: “She does show genuine remorse.”

Magistrates sentenced Downs to 148 days in prison, stating it was ‘their only option’.