[A] WOMAN has told a jury she did not steal cash from her elderly mother-in-law’s bank account.
Jacqueline Anne Little, 54, is on trial at Carlisle Crown Court having denied a charge of theft. It is alleged that she stole money belonging to Margaret Little which was spent on a new bathroom and replacement wedding rings.
At the time, between January 2015 and August last year, Jacqueline Little and her husband, Colin, held power of attorney over the pensioner’s affairs.
Jurors have heard 49-year-old Colin Little admits stealing almost £54,000 from his mother.
However, today (THURS), Jacqueline insisted she did not know her husband spent that money – on internet gambling – until he eventually confessed.
She claimed Mrs Little gave her husband permission to buy a new bathroom costing several thousand pounds. Jacqueline Little believed the wedding rings were paid for by her husband from the couple’s joint account.
During evidence today, she was asked by her lawyer, Paul Tweddle: “Did you ever help yourself to her (Margaret Little’s) money at any stage?”
Jacqueline Little, of Watson Street, Carlisle, replied: “No.”
The trial continues.