Solihull woman jailed for Alzheimer's pensioner theft

Emma Grey stole two sentimental gold rings from a woman with Alzheimer's disease, police said

A woman has been jailed after stealing from a pensioner who had Alzheimer's disease.

Emma Grey befriended the woman from Solihull over several months and gained her trust, West Midlands Police said.

Grey "took advantage of her kindness" and stole two "very sentimental" gold rings from the woman which have never been found, they added.

Grey was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court to two years and nine months in prison.

On 28 August at about 07:00 BST, Grey knocked on the elderly woman's door and forced her way in, officers said.

Scared and confused, the lady left her flat, locking the 36-year-old inside, and went to find help.

After taking the two gold rings, Grey called the concierge to the building in an attempt to help her escape.

Suspecting something wasn't quite right, the concierge called the woman's relatives, detectives said.

When one of them arrived at the flat, Grey shouted through the letterbox she was a relative of the elderly lady.

Knowing this was a lie, the relative left and called the police but officers said Grey left the flat before they arrived.

'Took advantage of her kindness'

The elderly lady managed to get to a McDonald's restaurant and asked staff for help who returned her home.

Grey, of Arbor Way, Chelmsley Wood, was arrested and initially pleaded not guilty to burglary of a dwelling with intent to steal and theft but later changed her plea to guilty.

On 10 January, she was jailed and also handed a ten-year restraining order.

"For months Grey harassed this vulnerable woman for money after befriending her and took advantage of her kindness," Det Con David Spencer said.

"The woman who is sadly suffering from Alzheimer's was exploited by Grey who stole two gold rings that were of very sentimental value that have never been found."