A homeless woman who broke into homes and used the occupants' facilities, including washing machines and toothbrushes, has been jailed for 20 months. Jade Cobden, 32, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after pleading guilty to two burglaries in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, earlier this year.
The court heard that in one incident on June 28, Cobden entered a home in Christine Street, Bucknall, while the occupant was still inside. The victim heard a noise and initially thought it was his brother, but later saw Cobden leaving via the back door carrying a bag of his belongings. She threw £20 at him and shouted, 'I am homeless bro, I am sorry.' The man later discovered she had used his washing machine, hung clothes to dry, drunk from a mug, and possibly slept in his brother's bed and used his toothbrush.
Days later, on July 2, Cobden burgled a home on Dividy Road in Bentilee while the owner was in hospital. The owner's son found Cobden inside with the dogs in the living room. She appeared 'spaced out' and laughed before he fled and called police. Neighbours reported she had been coming and going from the address.
Cobden, who has 31 previous convictions for 77 offences, was using crack cocaine and heroin at the time. Her solicitor said she 'needs mental health support' and had recently lost her children to adoption. Recorder Robert Smith described her as a 'habitual thief' with a 'sense of entitlement' and 'the attitude of Goldilocks', warning that any future dwelling burglary would attract a minimum three-year sentence.
