Hidden camera catches Telford woman stealing thousands from unsuspecting 'friend'

Samantha Wilde, of The Ashes, St Georges, Telford, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court after admitting two charges of theft.

The first charge related to stealing from her unsuspecting 69-year-old friend and the second to the theft of drugs from Donnington Pharmacy where she worked in administration.

Manizja Latifi, prosecuting, said the first incident had taken place on December 8, 2024.

The court heard that Wilde, 52, had been friends with the victim, who was initially her neighbour, for around five years.

The victim, who lived alone, had moved properties but the friendship continued and Wilde attended her new home to help with tasks.

Mrs Latifi told the court that Wilde knew where the woman kept her money and that due to a shortfall in her funds the victim’s son had decided to install a camera in the house.

The court was told that on December 8, 2024, Wilde had been at the house helping to move boxes.

The victim had £2,000 stored in her bedroom and her son saw footage of the woman going into the room and leaving with cash in her hand.

Mrs Latifi said the son had then attended the property where he had shouted to his mum to go and check her money.

The court was told that at that stage Wilde was seen on footage trying to put the money back, and blamed her presence in the room on seeing a mouse or a rat.

The second incident involved Wilde being caught stealing prescription medicine from Donnington Pharmacy while she was employed by the business.

Mrs Latifi said the drugs had been taken from the stock room and that the pharmacy had subsequently confirmed to the police that she did not have permission to take it, or dispense the items.

The court heard the recovered box was not labelled, had not been dispensed and matched the stock batch numbers at the pharmacy.

A statement read to the court from the victim detailed the ongoing impact of the offence.

It said: “I have found this incredibly difficult to come to terms with, largely because the person who did this was someone I trusted and considered to be a friend.”

It continued: “I allowed her into my home and never thought she would take advantage of that trust.”

The statement told how financial issues had led to the woman having to move properties.

It said: “The financial impact has been devastating.”

Addressing her need to move she said: “It was not simply losing a house, it was losing my sense of security and the place I should have felt safe.”

The court was told the incident had left the woman suffering from anxiety.

Dany Smith, mitigating on Wilde’s behalf, said: “At 62 years of age Samantha Wilde finds herself in a constant state of anxiety and depression.

“She found herself, having been married to the same partner for a number of years and they lived a lifestyle that was good because of their mutual love and commitment to one another, suddenly finding herself without anything at all when that partner died.”

Mr Smith said Wilde had not been living a life of “champagne and caviar” adding: “She is a defendant who is truly sorry for her actions. She stands there shame-faced.”

Sentencing, Judge Recorder Julian Taylor said: “You stole at least £2,000.”

He added: “This was a gross breach of trust. Your behaviour to someone who trusted you - you went into her home and stole a considerable amount of money.

“I hope you are thoroughly ashamed.”

He continued: “Yes you have had difficulties but that does not excuse your behaviour.”

Wilde was sentenced to 27 months in prison, suspended for two years.

She was also ordered to pay compensation to her victim of £1,500 at £20 a month.