Overview
- Danielle Houghton, 32, of Lancaster, was jailed for two years and nine months at Preston Crown Court after admitting theft and fraud by false representation.
- She stole the 91-year-old woman's bank card in November 2023 and took about £9,773 in total, including £7,700 in cash withdrawals, with an unsuccessful attempt to take a further £800.
- Spending using the stolen card covered sunbed sessions, online gambling, Netflix and Amazon subscriptions, fast food outlets, Sports Direct purchases, fuel, cigarettes and alcohol.
- CCTV released by Lancashire Police shows Houghton withdrawing cash and shopping with the stolen card, supporting the evidence from bank transaction records.
- Victim impact statements described enduring distress, including the mother's repeated words, “Something bad has been done to me, but I cannot remember what it is,” and concern for trust in care providers.