A cleaner who stole money from the home of an 84-year-old man she worked for, has been handed a community order.
Thirty-three-year-old Tara-Jade Mcaulay, of Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday to admit a charge of stealing money to the value of £45 from the victim’s home in Hakin on July 15.
Prosecutor Vaughan Pritchard-Jones told the court that the complainant, an 84-year-old retired male had suspected that someone was taking cash from his premises.
“The complainant’s son put some notes into his dad’s shirt pocket in the bedroom, and noted the serial numbers on the money.
“Once it was noticed that the notes had gone missing, the police were contacted.”
Mrs. Mcaulay who was the complainant’s cleaner made a full admission when interviewed by police.
“The money was not recovered, she had no intention of giving it back. There is clearly a serious breach of trust here!” added Mr. Pritchard-Jones.
On sentencing, magistrates handed the defendant a 12 month community order, to include 200 hours of unpaid work
Mrs. Mcaulay was also ordered to pay compensation of £45 to the victim, £85 in prosecution costs and a £90 victim surcharge.