A mother stole jewellery and cash from elderly women to feed her boyfriend's heroin habit.

Witney magistrates heard yesterday how 32-year-old Lorraine Middleton preyed on the two frail women who lived alone and hired her as a helper and cleaner.

Middleton, of Maplewell, Stonesfield, pleaded guilty to stealing from Mrs Frances Koenig, 86, who was recovering from a stroke, and Mrs Jean Green, an 82-year-old recovering from a hip operation.

Her boyfriend Nigel Clover, 28, of Combe Road, Stonesfield, pleaded guilty to two charges of dishonestly receiving the jewellery and cash. Both admitted dishonestly obtaining money by deception through selling the goods to antique shops.

Magistrates adjourned the case for two weeks because of a dispute over the exact amount of money and valuables involved.

Kate McNab, defending, told the court: "These are not terribly sophisticated offences.

"Because of Mr Clover's drug addiction she felt there was a need to obtain funds for his habit.

" But the amount of money we are talking about is around £400." The prosecution, however, claim that up to £9,000 worth of jewellery and antiques could have been stolen.

Alan Blake, prosecuting, said that Middleton, a mother with two children, was taken on by the two women who live at Combe and Stonesfield as a part-time help.

"Mrs Koenig's son eventually noticed that property was missing and reported it to the police.

"When they conducted a search of Middleton's home they found some of the items and some heroin belonging to Clover. And Mr Koenig also discovered some other items in antique shops in the locality," said Mr Blake.

Middleton also stole from Mrs Green and traded in a bracelet at a pawnbroker's in Oxford, he added.

"There are compensation claims from both victims," said Mr Blake.

"They were both lonely and elderly women who were in need of help."

Middleton and Clover were both bailed to appear again on September 17 and told not to attempt to contact the two elderly women.

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