A 46-year-old woman who repaid a neighbour’s repeated acts of kindness by burgling his home has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Leanne Mills, of no fixed abode, committed the burglary in April of this year, targeting a local man who had previously provided her with support. The court heard that the victim, who had known Mills for years, had frequently offered her hospitality, allowing her into his home for cups of tea and even letting her use his facilities to wash her clothes.
Prosecutor Ms Amy Weir told the court that the victim was visiting friends in Manchester when his sister alerted him that a woman had been spotted on his front doorbell camera. The footage showed Mills outside the property, at one point falsely claiming to be with the police to gain access. She was later captured on camera walking around to the rear of the house while holding a “fist-sized rock.”
Upon returning home, the man discovered his back window had been smashed. The rock seen in the footage was later found discarded near his fireplace. A PlayStation 5, eight games, and a radio alarm clock were stolen during the raid. The items were described by Recorder Mr Mark Ainsworth as “small items” that could be easily sold to fund a drug habit.
During sentencing, defence solicitor Jenny Miller highlighted the progress Mills had made while held on remand at HMP Styal. She noted that Mills had been participating in group work and one-to-one trauma therapy, and had been drug-free for six months. Ms Miller urged the court to consider a suspended sentence, suggesting that Mills was finally committed to overcoming her substance misuse.
However, Recorder Mr Ainsworth rejected the plea for a suspended sentence. Addressing Mills, he said, “I am concerned about the message this court would be sending out if someone doesn’t go to prison for their tenth domestic burglary conviction.”
While the judge acknowledged that Mills had endured a “very difficult life” and significant personal trauma, he emphasized the gravity of her actions. “This was a betrayal of the kindness of a man who had shown sympathy for you and your difficulties,” Mr Ainsworth said. “He allowed you to wash your clothes in his home and invited you in for a cup of tea, and this is how he was rewarded.”
In addition to the three-year prison sentence, Mr Ainsworth issued a five-year restraining order, strictly prohibiting Mills from contacting or visiting the victim. The court concluded that while the progress made during her time in custody was commendable, the persistent nature of her offending necessitated an immediate custodial term.
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