Jonathan Brierley preyed on a fellow hospital patient who had just been told her illness was terminal.



The 30 year old befriended the woman at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and on a daily basis would push her around the wards and to the outdoor smoking area.
When the woman’s cigarette supply ran out Brierley offered to go to the shops for her and she handed over her cash card.
But Brierley not only paid for the cigarettes.He also bought himself some food and removed £100 cash from her account,Blackpool Magistrates were told.
Brierley pleaded guilty to the theft which was discovered by the woman herself when she checked her balance on-line in her hospital room.
She asked for the money back and when he refused police were called.
Pam Smith,prosecuting, said:”He knew she was poorly and that she had been told her illness was terminal.He also knew the £100 was a lot to her.”
When interviewed by police, Brierley told them:”I feel disgusted at myself.I needed the money to get electricity and food as I was leaving hospital.”
Steven Townley,defending, said that his client had been treated for an allergic reaction.”
Sentencing him, Chairman of the magistrates Janet Lee told Brierley:”We do find there was a breach of trust.This was a vulnerable sick woman in a hospital.
Brierley formerly of Fleetwood and now living in Oldham was given a 12 month community order with twenty days rehabilitation.
He must pay £140 costs.
Brierley said in court:” I want to write a letter of apology to the lady.”