Jail warning for Sunderland carer who stole £17,000

Debra Isherwood has been warned she could be sent to prison for stealing thousands from four victims over a six-year period between 2008 and 2014.

At Newcastle Crown Court, the 49-year-old, who has never been in trouble before, pleaded guilty to four charges of theft.

The total amount she admitted stealing was £17,809.

Isherwood, of Ridley Avenue, Hollycarrside, Sunderland, will be sentenced next month, but was warned by a judge that prison is a “distinct possibility”.

Judge Penny Moreland told her: “This is a very serious matter, a custodial sentence is a distinct possibility.”

The judge granted Isherwood bail until the next hearing and ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Judge Moreland added: “Please do not draw any conclusion about the sentence you will get from the fact I am granting you bail or directing a report to be prepared.

“All sentences remain open to the judge who sentences you. This is a case where custody is likely to be at the forefront of his or her mind.”

Peter Walsh, defending, said there is a “substantial background of mitigation” in this case and Isherwood would use her time on bail to put her affairs in order.