The theft of an elderly woman’s pension was described as “heinous” by a sheriff.
Sheriff Michael Fletcher blasted Mandy McDowall for targeting the “vulnerable” 72-year-old in her own home, saying it would have a lasting impact on her.
The 37-year-old had barged straight into the pensioner’s Balbeggie flat on February 26, after knocking on the door and claiming that she ran a cleaning business.
Without waiting for an invitation, McDowall went into the living room and made herself comfortable in an armchair.
Perth Sheriff Court heard that, after having a brief conversation with McDowall, the elderly woman headed into the kitchen to turn off the oven.
When she returned to the sitting room, she noticed her unwanted visitor “rummaging” about her right hand side.
Depute fiscal Rebecca Kynaston said: “She noticed her handbag, which was sitting on the side of the armchair, had been moved and the inside zip, where she stored her cash, was open.
“She counted the cash and saw there was only £35 remaining, which made her very upset.”
When the woman told McDowall her money was missing, the accused tried to pin the blame on someone else, asking if the pensioner had entertained any other visitors that day and claiming she was not responsible for the missing cash.
Her victim became “very upset” and told her to leave the flat before contacting the police.
Ms Kynaston added: “The complainer was shaken up by the incident and felt she was targeted due to her age.”
Solicitor Mike Tavendale told the court that his client had “very little recollection” of the theft, as she had been taking a powerful combination of codeine and diazepam at the time.
He added that she was “deeply ashamed and remorseful” for her actions and had been taking steps to overcome her addiction to drugs. McDowall, of King Street, Doune, admitted that on February 26, at Green Road, Balbeggie she stole £179.
Jailing her for four months, Sheriff Fletcher said: “This is a heinous crime committed against a vulnerable person who is aged 72. I don’t think it’s possible to deal with this by any way other than a custodial sentence.”