A CLEANER, who stole money from an elderly couple she worked for, has been ordered to pay back over £2,500
Denise Hodgkinson, of Windermere Road, Padiham, was sentenced to 12 months in prison in April 2010, after pleading guilty to theft.
In March 2005, Hodgkinson at the home of the couple, both 70, at their home in Padiham.
Hodgkinson gained the trust of the couple who trusted her to withdraw money from bank because their disability made it difficult for them to do so.
The thefts went on until October 2008 when the couple were taken into a nursing home.
Members of staff at the home contacted the police after Hodgkinson had asked for the elderly woman’s bank card to pay a bill.
Following a lengthy investigation the 44-year-old was arrested at her home address on 5 December and charged with theft.
At Preston Crown Court on Tuesday she we she was ordered to pay back £2517.76 within 28 days or face a further one month in prison and still owe the money on her release, with accrued interest.
Speaking after the hearing, Financial Investigator DC Adrian Crorken, said: “Hodgkinson abused her position of trust and deliberately targeted an elderly and vulnerable couple. She callously stole money from their savings in what can only be described as a despicable offence.
“We will continue to target those who profit from crime at all levels in our communities. By targeting these proceeds of crime we send a clear message that crime doesn’t pay and as this case demonstrates, we have the powers and we are prepared to use them."
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