A MOTHER of four stole £2,000-worth of jewellery to fund a secret heroin habit.
Angela Mary Watson, 38, admitted stealing from Rebecca Maher, whose house she had access to, between November 16 and 24.
Justin Espie, prosecuting, told Wrexham magistrates Ms Maher had gone on holiday at the time.
When she returned she found a total of £2,000 worth of jewellery had disappeared from various places in her house in Pentre, Minera.
Mr Espie said Watson, of Maes Hyfryd, New Rhosrobin, was one a number of people who had been entrusted with access to the house.
After enquiries were made at a local pawnbroker’s, two missing bracelets were found.
The pawnbroker’s identified Watson as the woman they had purchased the bracelets from.
Watson was arrested, and admitted taking the bracelets, which were recovered and returned to Ms Maher.
Magistrates fined Watson £80 and ordered her to pay £85 costs, with a £20 victim surcharge.
No compensation was ordered as all stolen items had been recovered.
Emma Simoes, defending said Watson had four children, who were dependent on her.
She was extremely embarrassed to appear in court, Ms Simoes said.
She had been secretly living a separate life away from her family and friends.
Watson was dependent on heroin – but no one but her ex-partner knew.
She had felt trapped in her relationship with her ex-partner because of her addiction and because he had control of the couple’s money.
Ms Simoes said Watson had now left her ex-partner and was on methadone.
“She is getting the help she needs,” said Ms Simoes.