Woman who swindled £10,000 from vulnerable Leeds pensioner spared jail

Frances James, of Oxford Street, Wakefield, swindled £10,250 out of the 88-year-old over a 15-month period after being entrusted with her bank card to do her weekly food shop. She was given a suspended sentence at Leeds Crown Court this week after pleading guilty to theft.

Prosecutor Ms Allam-Teetham told the court how the 55-year-old was a trusted friend and would support her with her daily living, which included withdrawing £160 from her bank card for her weekly food shop.

The court heard how the victim became aware of 18 fraudulent transactions, between January 2023 and April 2024, after a letter from Leeds City Council informed her she no longer had enough money to pay her bills. Lloyds Bank has since repaid £9,700 back into her account.

In mitigation, defence counsel Mr Moran told the court how his client, who has no previous criminal convictions, had suffered a breakdown in her mental health and become addicted to illicit substances following the death of her mother.

He told the court how James was filled with “considerable sorrow and distress” over what had happened and has since saved up to £1,800 in an attempt to repay the money.

The 55-year-old is the sole carer for her autistic son.

Passing sentence Judge Simon Batiste, said that while James had taken advantage of the pensioner and “deliberately targeted her vulnerability,” he recognised that she had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and was not at high risk of reoffending.

He sentenced her to 18 months in prison, suspended for 24 months and 20 activity rehabilitation days. He also ordered that she pay £3,000 in compensation, with the already saved £1,800 to be paid by March 31.

“I’m not going to lock you up today but I came mighty, mighty close. You are extraordinarily fortunate and your son will not save you if there are any breaches,” he added.