£1,000 fine for woman who

A WOMAN who used a mobile phone to film her relatives being sentenced in crown court was fined £1,000.

Sharn Ellis owned up immediately when one of the defendants told the court someone had filmed her from the public gallery.

The 55-year-old replied “Me, love” as Judge T Lloyd-Clarke was about to ask the defendant to point out who it was.

Ellis told the court she “was just thinking of my nan”, who was the victim of a £23,000 theft by the two defendants.

A police officer examined Ellis’ phone and found a still image and a recording lasting around 40 seconds. Although the video was mostly pointed at the ground, proceedings could be heard and it showed the inside of the courtroom as she tried to film the defendants on camera.

She had filmed her aunt Christine Vaughan and cousin Adele Mansell who were both jailed at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday, May 12, after they appeared at court to be sentenced for theft.

They had stolen the money from vulnerable and elderly Beatrice Cooper, who had been dependent on her family for help with shopping and her finances, was nearly blind, and lived alone.

Ellis of Gwaun Bedw, Porth, then found herself in the dock where she was found to be in contempt of court.

Ellis, who did not want legal representation, admitted filming proceedings.

Ellis said: “I’m so sorry. I was just thinking of my nan.”