Black Isle Nurse Stole From Elderly Couple

A nurse who stole silver and antiques from an elderly couple she was looking after has been told she will stay out of jail if she behaves herself.

Pauline Khan, 53, took paintings, jewellery, ornaments and other pieces worth a total of £26,500 from a property near Munlochy, Black Isle.

She admitted stealing the items and was jailed for a year at Dingwall Sheriff Court last August, but later released.

Appeal judges have continued her case for six months and called for reports.

The thefts were uncovered after the couple, who are in their 90s, asked their housekeeper to help find a missing watercolour.

Khan, of Mallard Lane, Warrington, admitted stealing the items between 8-22 November 2006 when she appeared at Dingwall Sheriff Court.

Jailed for a year, she appealed against the sentence and was released from prison last October pending her challenge against the penalty.

Defence counsel Moira MacKenzie told the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh that the offence was out of character for Khan who was a first offender.

She told Lord Johnston, sitting with Lord Kingarth, that her client was unable to explain the crime.

Lord Johnston said it should be emphasised to Khan that her future depended on her behaviour during the six months.