Home help stole from pensioner

Dawn Thomas, 48, of Devonshire Road, was hired to do ironing and other household chores at the pensioner's flat in Robertson Street last year.

At a court hearing on Tuesday, magistrates heard that police were able to catch Thomas after examining handwriting on a Christmas card which she had sent the pensioner last December.

Andrew Holt, prosecuting, said: "The defendant visited the pensioner's property every five weeks, usually on a Wednesday and Thursday.

"Last December the victim had reason to check his bank statement and found that a cheque had been paid out without his knowledge.

It had been made out for more than 400 to a D Thomas.

"No stub had been filled in inside his chequebook but the stub had been completely removed."

After the pensioner reported the matter to police, officers discovered that another cheque for 400 had been paid into Thomas' account on November 5 last year.

Mr Holt said: "The aggrieved then went over to the defendant's house and confronted her but she denied accusations that she had stolen from him.

And, discussing the Christmas card, Mr Holt said: "Police forensic scientists were able to see an attempt by the defendant to forge the complainant's writing."

Thomas was arrested on February 15 and police found magic mushrooms in her house wrapped in newspaper, as well as drugs paraphernalia.

Thomas pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud by false representation and one count of fraud by presenting a forged cheque.

She also admitted possession of a Class A drug when she appeared in court at Hastings on Tuesday.

Magistrates adjourned the case until Tuesday, September 21 so sentencing reports could be prepared.