Woman, 25, stole £37,000 from grandfather to pay for tattoos and takeaways

A woman has been jailed after stealing more than £37,000 from her grandfather to spend on drugs, tattoos and takeaways.

Nicole Taylor, 25, of Chorley, stole her 79-year-old granddad’s life savings when she became power of attorney in 2020 after his health deteriorated and he was put in a care home.

She was asked to look after his home in Preston and was told she could use his bank card to pay for repairs or bills, the court heard.

In a year, Taylor spent a total of £37,363.63 on mostly takeaways, tattoos and cash withdrawals, believed to have been spent on drugs, with her later admitting she had a drug problem.

The victim’s family became aware of the thefts, producing bank statements which were taken to police.

Taylor was given summons to appear at court for the offence of theft after an investigation by police.

She pleaded guilty and was jailed for 14 months at Preston Crown Court.

Det Con Rebecca Pugh, of Preston Police, said: “Taylor took advantage of her vulnerable grandfather at his time of need.

“The money spent was money he had earned and saved through working his whole life.

“Her greed has left her family and in particular her grandfather devastated.

“The financial loss means he can no longer choose his care home because she selfishly took away that luxury.

“We welcome a custodial prison sentence, which is reflective of the offending Taylor committed.”