a day ago
Glasgow jewel thief targeted widow, 89, she cleaned for
Gaynor Welch worked at Helping Hands, a home cleaning service primarily used by elderly and vulnerable people near Bishopbriggs.
On September 7, 2023, she was working with two other colleagues at the Torrance property of Robert Burrell, who was 89 at the time.
After they left, Mr Burrell called the owner of the company to report that three rings, which belonged to his late wife and mother, went missing from his home.
The owner called the police and informed them which house the cleaners were cleaning at the time.
Officers showed up and Welch was detained for a search.
A thin gold necklace was found in her trouser pocket.
At first, the 34-year-old said she found the item and accidentally pocketed it but she then admitted she took it.
Welch was asked if she had any other items and she took out three gold rings from her bra.
She was arrested and the rings were returned to Mr Burrell, who was extremely upset but grateful to have them back, saying they had immense sentimental value.
Another client, Louise Scott, identified the necklace as hers.
As part of the investigation, cops went to H&T Pawnbrokers and spoke with staff, who confirmed Welch had previously pawned two rings worth £255.
In an interview, the Castlemilk cleaner accepted having taken the jewellery but she said she couldn't recall where she stole it from and the owner was never identified.
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She appeared in the dock of Glasgow Sheriff Court this week after she pleaded guilty to three charges of theft.
Her lawyer said: "She told me that in 2023, when this happened, he life was extremely chaotic, she was using substances and she needed the money.
"She is disgusted with herself. She has not taken substances for two years and is engaging with Turning Point.
"Her record is quite limited. She made attempts to turn her life around."
Sheriff Lorraine Glancy observed: "She does appear to have turned her life around and these offences are of some vintage but they clearly meet the custody threshold."
She sentenced Welch to 12 months of supervision and warned her that if she breaches the order, she could be sent to prison.
