Jade Wignall burgled an 88 year old with dementia in Cleethorpes, stealing money and claiming her benefits weren’t enough.
The woman thought Jade Wignall was her neighbor. Wignall then stole twenty pounds from the victim’s purse. She claimed benefits weren’t enough for Christmas. The court heard the details of Wignall’s burglary, which happened last November in Cleethorpes.
The victim has dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Wignall used a fake name, pretending to be “Jane,” the real neighbor. The victim has bad eyesight, and she let Wignall inside, thinking it was Jane. Wignall asked for cigarettes, taking two.
She then asked for money, but got denied. She stole the purse, which held eighty-five pounds. The victim felt tricked, prompting her family to check the security cameras. The footage helped police identify Wignall.
At first, Wignall claimed she was “lent” the money. Later, she said her benefits weren’t enough, admitting she stole to get by. Wignall has a long criminal history with many convictions for dishonesty. She even burgled a care home before.
The victim’s relative said she’s now shocked and upset. The elderly lady doesn’t know who to trust anymore, so they installed a new security system. Wignall’s lawyer said she knows her behavior was bad, and there was no excuse. He admitted to the court that she was desperate for money and homeless.
He said Wignall faced abuse and health issues, even feeling safer in prison, which she described as “heaven.” The judge said Wignall exploited the victim’s issues, tricking her way into the poor woman’s house.
The judge sent Wignall to jail for three years, stating the crime was to fund a drug addiction. He showed no mercy.