Mother Steals Ex's Phone, Card for Drugs

0:00On March 26, a 35-year-old mother from witness, named Leanne Benecki, has been convicted of stealing her ex-partner's iPhone and bank card. She pawned the phone for 30 pounds at a cash converter's store and used the car to buy 149 pounds worth of goods at local shops. The theft funded her crack cocaine habit as the court determined. This happened last March, while the father of their baby daughter was in prison for 14 days. He had breached a domestic violence protection order against her and left his phone charging at home. When he returned, both items were gone, prompting him to report her to police right away. Benecki claimed he gave her permission to use the card and pawn the phone as long as she bought it back later. She said their split fueled his complaint and admitted her long-term drug issues since age 18, the ex denied any approval, noting he had no way to communicate from jail. Others highlighted her chaotic life and drug-driven motives, while her lawyer pointed out no prior

1:01dishonesty convictions despite past drug. Supply offenses. She had even let county lines gangs use her home before. The Warrington Magistrate's Court found her guilty of theft and fraud beyond reasonable doubt, rejecting her story. She will return next month for sentencing after background reports are prepared.