A thieving cleaner was caught on hidden camera helping herself to an 86-year-old’s savings.
Patricia Moore, 86, from Swansea, noticed cash disappearing after she hid her money in a microwave for safe-keeping.
Wanting proof of the theft, she asked one of her sons to install hidden CCTV in her kitchen and captured cleaner Janet Fillis, 64, helping herself to money.
Janet Fillis (pictured) stole up to £20-a-week from pensioner Patricia Moore, 86, while cleaning her home in Swansea
Prosecutor Abdul Hussain told Swansea Crown Court: ‘She was an elderly lady who lived alone and required cleaning assistance at her home.
‘She had employed Janet Fillis to the job for three hours once a week.
‘Mrs Moore noticed money go missing – somewhere in the region of £20 and £10 every week. ‘
Ms Moore asked her son to install hidden cameras in her home when she noticed cash going missing and the family caught Fillis in the act (pictured)
Mrs Moore set up the cameras to catch Fillis in the act, jurors were told.
The pensioner said: ‘I wanted someone to record it as my word only wasn’t good enough.
‘I thought if it was on film I would stand a better chance of proving it.’
Fillis, from Swansea, denied theft, but was found guilty and will be sentenced next week.
Magistrates said: ‘We have watched the CCTV evidence and listened to the evidence given in court.
‘Mrs Moore was very clear in her evidence which is supported by CCTV.’
Fillis (pictured, with Ms Moore’s cash in her mouth), 64, denied theft but was found guilty at Swansea Crown Court
Speaking after the verdict, Mrs Moore said: ‘I feel upset about it all to be honest as she was with me for so long.’
Her son Brian added: ‘All those involved in the court treated my mother with utmost respect. I cannot describe how horrendous it is watching your mother giving evidence.
‘Fillis thought my mother was too frail to go through with the prosecution – but she was determined to have her day in court.’