Pensioner’s purse stolen after thief targeted her in town centre

A Dunfermline woman preyed on a vulnerable pensioner, took her to a café then stole her purse.

Corinne Jackson, 50, of Broomhead Drive, admitted at the town’s sheriff court yesterday that on September 5 at Café Giacomo, Cross Wynd, she stole a purse and contents.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said the victim had used the dial-a-ride service to travel into the town centre at 1.50pm.

She was sitting on a bench near the bus station when Jackson sat down beside her.

“The accused asked the woman to go for a cup of tea but she declined,” the depute said. “The accused continued to ask her and took her by the wrist.”

The pensioner got up and was led into Queen Anne Street and then into Café Giacomo.

Because of her mobility issues, the woman was helped into a seat by a staff member.

The victim took £3 out of her purse and gave it to Jackson to pay for the tea.

Jackson took the money but also lifted the woman’s purse and went to stand in the queue but left the café before being served. After about 10 minutes, the pensioner told staff her purse had been taken.

“Police were called and when they arrived they found the woman to be very upset at what had happened,” the depute added.

Solicitor Stephen Morrison said of his client: “She’s disgusted with herself and mortified.”

Sheriff Charles MacNair said: “It’s extremely fortunate that the purse and its contents were returned to the woman but that was only because of you being identified from the CCTV.”

He imposed a community payback order with 135 hours of unpaid work.