Son jailed for stealing from mother

A SON was jailed for 18 months yesterday for carrying out a burglary at his mother's home and stealing �2000 despite her letter to a judge asking for mercy.

Elliott Dye, 26, was desperate for cash as he owed �3000 and while his mother was away on holiday with his step-father, he stole the cash from the Great Yarmouth family home, Norwich Crown Court heard.

When arrested the court heard that he told police he did not think it was a burglary as it was his mother's address he had taken the cash from.

The mother also sent a letter to the judge in which she said although Dye had taken money he was not entitled to, she would have helped him if she knew about his plight and did not want to see him jailed.

Dye of Russell Road, Great Yarmouth, admitted the burglary.

The court heard Dye had a number of previous convictions including convictions for burglary.

Jailing him, Judge Alasdair Darroch said it was a mean offence and understood how difficult it was for his mother: “Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect is the letter I have read from your mother in which she says had she been aware of your situation she would have provided you with the money.”

He added: “It was a very mean offence involving people that were providing you with a roof over your head at a time when you were in considerable difficulties.”

Ian James, for Day, said: “He really did not think he was committing a burglary.”

He said that his family had been supportive of him and said: “The last thing his mother wants is to see her son receiving a custodial sentence because of what he has done to her.”

He said that Dye was very sorry for what he had done: “He wants to express his apologies to his mother. He was in financial difficulties and stole from his mother in circumstances of some desperation.”