A woman convicted of stealing £39,000 from her vulnerable mother has defiantly maintained her innocence.
Pearl Dewar, of Seafield Street in Portknockie, appeared for sentencing at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday.
The 63-year-old was told a jail term for the callous crime was “inevitable” but assured full repayment would guarantee a shorter time behind bars.
So far, she has managed to get £20,000 together to repay her mother and was yesterday given another week to get the rest before being sentenced.
Last night Dewar’s estranged brother, John Gall, said his mother Jane Gall, who lives in Bridge of Don, would now drop civil action to recoup even more.
Dewar was initially charged with stealing £82,000 from her mum before a jury found her guilty of pocketing less than half that.
Mr Gall, who lives in Insch, said: “We were never interested in the money. We just wanted recognition that Pearl had been stealing from her own mother.
“We’re delighted the jury found her guilty and she will have to repay the thousands that she wrongfully took.
“My mum and I both think enough’s enough now. She’s been found guilty now and we’ll drop the civil action.”
Mr Gall added: “She will never admit she’s guilty. She thinks she’s above everybody and will never admit she’s done anything wrong.”
Defence agent Bill Adam said his client would be able to repay about £20,000 yesterday from money cobbled together from her and her husband’s pensions and investments.
Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov allowed the former teacher another week to get the rest of the money before deciding how long the “inevitable” prison sentence would be.
Mr Adam stressed Dewar continued to maintain her innocence and tried to convince the sheriff not to send the former teacher to jail.
He said: “Her mental and physical health has suffered in a very lengthy and public vilification. It has been particularly punishing on Mrs Dewar given her previous unblemished character and the profession she worked in.
“She continues to suffer anxiety and condemnation.”
A jury convicted Dewar of swindling £39,000 from her mother between January 2007 and November 2013.
During a trial last month Dewar, who used to teach financial management to prisoners, branded Mrs Gall a liar and attempted to shift the blame onto her housebound mother’s “ridiculous” spending.
Dewar is due to appear in the dock again on Thursday.
