A woman who broke into the home of a “vulnerable” pensioner to steal from him has been jailed for 10 months.
Elizabeth Ann Sweeney smashed the window of the 78-year-old’s Aberdeen ground floor flat with her bare fists on March 21.
The victim, who was in his living room at the time, heard the noise and called the police, as Sweeney made her way to his bedroom and took his wallet.
At Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday it was stated that Sweeney, of Victoria Road Aberdeen, knew the victim from a “previous encounter.”
North-east woman stole wallet and money after breaking into pensioner’s home
He had poor mobility and was vulnerable, the court heard.
Fiscal depute Alison Reid explained that patrolling police officers attended the scene shortly after 12.30am.
Sweeney told them “she had been visiting a friend” and that the blood on her hands – sustained by smashing the flat’s window – were from her “bashing on a window” to get the attention of her friend.
After transporting Sweeney to their police car officers discovered a wallet in her possession, after several £10 notes were found between her legs and the car’s seat.
The wallet, containing £420, a gas card, bus pass and post office cards, was returned to the victim.
Lawyer John Hardie said she “didn’t remember smashing the window” and described the impact the crime has had on Sweeney and her family.
He said: “She has two children who currently are with their father, she is doing everything she can to maintain contact with them
“She previously struggled with drug abuse but has got past that.
“She is an intelligent woman and realises the damage she caused by committing this crime, and is ashamed about what she did and is willing to change.”
Sheriff Jack Brown jailed Sweeney, who pled guilty to a charge of theft by housebreaking for 10 months.
He said: “This is a serious matter -– breaking into the home of a vulnerable 78-year-old.
“It is difficult to see that anything other than a custodial sentence would be appropriate.”
