Shropshire Star

Drug woman stole cash from 84-year-old victim's purse

A recovering drug addict who stole cash from an 84-year-old woman’s purse in her own home has been sentenced.

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Emma Durie admitted the theft of £80 from the purse of Elizabeth Williams in Wem on April 4 last year.

Durie, who has said she was spending £50 a day each on crack and heroin at the time, took the money after asking to use Mrs Williams’ toilet.

The 36-year-old, previously of Market Street in Wem, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court and admitted theft. A burglary charge was dropped after a not guilty plea.

Mr Brian McKenna, prosecuting, said: “At about 10.30 in the morning Mrs Williams was sitting on her porch when she was approached by the defendant who asked if she could urgently use her toilet.

“Mrs Williams didn’t know the defendant but had seen her in the area doing gardening work. She told her she could use the toilet and the defendant went into the house by herself. Shortly after Mrs Williams saw the defendant coming out of the living room and asked her why. The defendant didn’t say anything and left hurriedly.”

Mrs Williams discovered the £80 missing soon after, and called her daughter and the police. Durie was arrested on July 11.

The court heard that the theft had profoundly affected Mrs Williams.

Ms Lisa Hancox represented Durie and said the theft was an opportunistic one to help fund the serious drug habits she had at the time.

“This was a very difficult time in her life. She was struggling with a heroin and cocaine addiction," said Ms Hancox.

“She did not enter the property with the intention of stealing but after she had used the toilet it popped into her head and she took the opportunity. It is something she deeply regrets.

"She has since made efforts to overcome her addictions and she is proud of the progress she has made.”

Ms Hancox said that Durie moved to Telford after the offence to avoid seeing her associates on Wem’s drugs scene, and that she is now being supported by the Telford Aftercare Team. She said that she takes regular drug tests which return negative results.

Judge Anthony Lowe recognised the positive efforts Durie made, but told her that the impact of her crime was deeper than the amount taken suggested.

He said: “This was not just theft, it was theft from an elderly woman’s purse in her own home. The £80 is insignificant. You have destroyed Mrs Williams’ sense of security and stability.”

The judge gave Durie a six-month community order and she will also pay a victim surcharge.

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