KATE METCALFE

OFFENDER WHO STOLE FROM ELDERLY MOTHER JAILED FOR BREACH OF RESTRAINING ORDER

A woman who stole precious jewellery from her elderly mother has been jailed after ignoring a ban on contacting her.

Kate Metcalfe took sentimental pieces worth £8,000 to fund her drug habit.

The two diamond rings included a gold ring bought by the 84-year-old's late husband to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

In November last year, Metcalfe received a community order after admitting to the theft.

A restraining order was made banning her from going to her mum's house in Lindley for a year.

But she was caught at the address, breaching the order, and appeared before Kirklees magistrates via video link from HMP Styal in Cheshire, pleading guilty to breach of restraining order and failing to comply with post-custodial supervision.

She had earlier stolen from her mother while living with her at Gatesgarth Crescent, Lindley.

Police found her in a distressed state after she tried to push past officers and refused to hand over her bag containing the stolen rings, becoming aggressive and drawing blood as she clawed at an officer's hand.

The restraining order lasts until November, but she was found breaching it on August 13.

The victim, her mother, stated she doesn't believe prosecution will help Metcalfe and only wants her to get help with her mental health and shelter.

Metcalfe's anxiety increased after the death of her partner, and she accepted it was her responsibility to comply with supervision, but she later admitted to staying with friends with partial address details.

She was sentenced to eight weeks in jail, with the chairman of the magistrates warning her to stay away from her mother to protect her.

Upon release, she will also pay a £122 victim surcharge.