A FRAUDSTER used a stolen bank card – which was taken from an elderly Rugby woman’s home while she was in hospital over Christmas – to take over £1,400 from her bank account.
Terrance Hannifin, 32, formerly of Caldecott Street, was sentenced at Coventry Magistrates’ Court to 18 weeks in prison after he pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and fraud by false representation.
While the woman – who is in her 90s – was in hospital over the festive period, someone broke into her house and stole her bank card, jewellery and electrical items.
A check with the bank showed someone had taken more than £1,400 from the account – and attempts to remove a further £1,600 were declined by the bank.
Officers from Rugby Proactive CID saw CCTV of the card being used, and identified Hannifin trying to use the card at a petrol station in Hillmorton Road and a shop in Clifton Road on February 3.
Hannifin was arrested and, when interviewed, admitted it was him using the card.
Det Cons Becky Naughton from Rugby Proactive CID said: “This card was stolen from an elderly woman while she was in hospital and Hannifin took advantage of this.
“I hope he spends his time in prison thinking about the distress he has caused to the woman and her family.”
