On Friday 18 August 2023, 29-year-old Emily O’Brien approached the victim – aged in his 70s – at a cashpoint in Forton Road. She told him the machine wasn’t working before she began pressing buttons on the screen. Following this, O’Brien proceeded to barge the man out of the way and stand in front of the cash point, before pocketing cash which was dispensed by the machine. She then encouraged the man to input his card and try to withdraw again, before pushing him out of the way again and stealing more cash. Following enquiries, O’Brien was arrested and charged with theft.
O’Brien, of no fixed abode, had also been charged with a separate theft which occurred at the Post Office on Gosport High Street on 20 June. During this incident, £180 worth of chocolate was stolen. She admitted both thefts at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on 29 August, before appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court for sentencing on Friday 29 September where she was jailed for a year.
Police Staff Investigator Sarah Hills said: “Emily O’Brien is a prolific offender across Fareham & Gosport, and I hope the community remain confident that we will always robustly deal with these types of offences. The incident in Forton Road was especially cruel, as she targeted a man who was clearly vulnerable. Her disregard for the local community is shocking, and it is right that she has been put behind bars for her crimes.”
– Hampshire Alerts –