Lisa Willis, 41, who had been evicted from her housing association flat in Widnes, returned six days later to steal the washing machine. At Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, June 29, she pleaded guilty to theft of the appliance, valued at £381.
Details of the offence
Willis was evicted from the property on Thomas Street, Widnes, on January 20 this year. On January 26, CCTV captured her entering the flat block through an insecure door, removing the washing machine, and loading it into a waiting car. Prosecutor Jonathan Keen told the court: "The flat at Thomas Street is a housing association property, the defendant being a resident before the offence, and was evicted on January 20. The housing association explained if any property was still in the address, the defendant would need to liaise with them to collect."
Keen added: "The defendant entered the building and was seen on CCTV pushing the front door open. The defendant can be seen removing the washing machine from the address, taking it downstairs and placing it in the rear of the vehicle outside. This property was not the property of the defendant."
Defendant's background and interview
When interviewed on March 11, Willis answered no comment other than to remark how easy it was to get into the address. The court heard she has 28 previous convictions for 43 offences, including several for theft and dishonesty. Keen noted: "This matter is aggravated by the defendant's previous convictions for dishonesty and also was committed under the influence of alcohol."
Defence mitigation
Sarah Griffin, defending, said: "It's clear Willis needs assistance. She hasn't always been willing and open to taking assistance, but she is due to be a grandmother any day and she doesn't want history to report itself in terms of her alcohol addiction, and she wants to make sure she is a positive influence on her granddaughter's life. She needs to continue to recognise that alcohol is her problem, it's her demon and in my submission she is motivated to change."
Sentencing remarks
Recorder Andrew Vinson noted: "You have a significant history of involvement in the criminal court and you have 28 convictions for 43 offences. In December 2024 you were given a 12-month community order in relation to theft and this offence took place just after that order had finished. There must have been some planning because a vehicle was present in order to steal the washing machine. That's not an item that can be stolen on the spur of the moment. This was undertaken while you were under the influence of alcohol and you have previous convictions, many of which are acquisitive in nature and have elements of dishonesty to them. That said, it doesn't cross the custody threshold. This is not a case in which the court ought to be looking at a sentence of imprisonment."
He sentenced Willis to an 18-month community order, 20 rehabilitation days, and a six-month alcohol treatment requirement. Recorder Vinson urged: "If you're genuine about your desire to change, to be a good influence on your granddaughter and to engage with the alcohol issues you have, this is your opportunity to do it, and I urge you to grab it with both hands."
