Addict Stole A Cheque Sent To Her Carer’s Son

A heroin addict with 77 previous convictions stole more than £200 meant for an autistic man. Samantha Richards, 30, cashed a benefits cheque for £217.13 addressed to the man’s mother, who was his full-time carer, a court heard.

Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard Richards, of Channel View Road, Grangetown, Cardiff, had recently exchanged properties with the woman, but post was still sent to her old address.

Lynne Bartlett, prosecuting, said Richards was in breach of her community rehabilitation order, given for two counts of driving while disqualified, one when she had two young children in the car.

Adam Jones, defending, said his client had made steps to become involved in a drug intervention programme.

District Judge Jill Watkins gave Richards a 12-month community supervision order after she admitted both offences.