Woman stole money from own mother

A woman who stole more than £500 from her own mother to pay off a drug debt sobbed in court as she was spared jail.

Stephanie Stainsby, 34, stole £537 from her mother after taking her bank card from her home during a visit on August 3, 2020.

After previously pleading guilty to theft and fraud by false representation, Stainsby, of Vine Close, Gateshead, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court for sentencing.

The court heard how the victim realised money was missing from her account and texted her daughter who apologised and offered to repay the money.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy read out a victim impact statement which read: “I want to move out.

“My daughter has taken advantage of me and is using me for my money”.

The lawyer also told the court how the mum requested a restraining order be taken out against her daughter and said she no longer wanted her in her life.

However, defending Stainsby, John Williams said the mother and daughter have since repaired their relationship and said she is now caring for her mother who has severe arthritis.

He said: “The money has been repaid in full and things have moved on. She believes her daughter will not steal any more money from her.”

The defence lawyer also said her mother no longer wants a restraining order against her daughter due to their improved relationship.

Stainsby sobbed as she was handed an eight-week sentence which was suspended for 12 months with a nine-month Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR).

She must also complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and was ordered to pay £213.