Addiction led doctor into crime – court
A“SUCCESSFUL” doctor’s life spiralled into crime when she turned to drink after her relationship broke down.
Mother of four Angharad Roberts, 37, has an impressive academic record and qualified as a nurse before completing a medical degree and becoming a doctor.
But after the breakdown of her relationship her life disintegrated into addiction and crime, and yesterday she was handed a suspended jail term at Cardiff Crown Court after she admitted two counts of burglary.
Roberts appeared at court with her current partner, David Potham, 36, who committed the crimes with her and with whom she has two children.
The court heard Roberts had worked as a doctor before descending into crime.
Defending both Roberts and Potham, Jonathan Lewis said: “She was successful in education. She qualified as a nurse in 2002 and did a medical degree before becoming a doctor. She started work at Abergavenny hospital as a doctor and she was successful. Her relationship broke down when she started to drink.
“She comforted in drink, having lost her employment and lost her relationship with her other two children.”
A judge, who spared her an immediate jail sentence, admitted he was “taking a risk” by not sending her to prison, but told her: “You have not been struck off the register – it is not inconceivable that, if you turned your life around, maybe you can practise medicine again still.”
Mr Lewis informed the court that Roberts and Potham, both of West Lee in Riverside, Cardiff, have been together for around three years and have two children together.
“The relationship was long term but they would encourage each other in a negative way,” Mr Lewis added. “There would be occasions when she would be on her own – when she was she would try and get to grips with things but it was very short-lived. They would take whatever drugs they could get their hands on – Class A or B.”
On August 5 the pair stole cider worth £312 from Cardiff bar Kongs.
The court also heard the couple broke into a room at hotel CFeleven in the city on August 7 and stole a guest’s mobile phone and wallet when he was out with colleagues.
Roberts and Potham were discovered after being tracked on CCTV. The victim also had an app on his iPhone which allowed him to trace where it was. By the time the man went to cancel his card it had already been used.
The court heard it had been used for contactless payments, meaning each purchase was no more than £30.
The court heard Roberts “didn’t know what she was doing at the time” because of her drug use.
The court heard she had admitted using drugs such as heroin and valium and had previously appeared in court for a drug-related matter. The latest offences were committed in breach of a suspended sentence, the court heard.
Judge Neil Bidder QC imposed a 47-week suspended sentence for a period of two years. Roberts must also comply with an overnight curfew, monitored by an electronic tag, as well as completing a drug rehabilitation course and must pay a £114 victim surcharge.
Potham, who pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and one count of fraud, was sentenced to 876 days in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114.