A Skye woman stole a wallet and cash from a woman she was caring for after being treated to a stay in an Inverness hotel, the city sheriff court heard yesterday.
Sheriff Robert Macdonald told 33-year-old Samantha Stevenson that it was “not only a theft but a breach of trust.”
But after hearing from defence solicitor Roger Webb, the sheriff decided to defer sentence on Stevenson until July 31.
The court was told that the woman she was caring for had paid for herself, her son and Stevenson to stay at the Premier Inn in Inverness on January 4 this year.
Fiscal depute Ross Carvel said her wallet with bank cards and approximately £100 in cash disappeared from her room.
He added that police received information a few days later, which led them to search Stevenson’s room where the wallet, but no cash, was found.
Stevenson, of Sraid an Eorna, Portree, admitted a charge of theft.
Mr Webb said: “She accepts it was a deeply mean theft. My client was a victim of domestic violence by two men and developed a drug and alcohol problem.
“When her brother, who has a telephone book of previous convictions, stayed with her as a bail address, her behaviour went off a cliff.
“She picked up another four offences and is due to be sentenced at Portree next month.
“But she sought help at a Christian centre and has been there since May, and will be for another 11 months.”
He added: “This is a woman who has made a tremendous effort in recent months.”
