A drug addict has been jailed for stealing more than £64k from her elderly neighbour – leaving her with just three pence in her bank account.  

Emma Willey, 43, was sentenced to a year and nine months at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday (May 12).  

She was trusted by her 88-year-old neighbour to complete financial transactions for her, do her weekly food shop and help with general errands.  

But in November last year, the victim received a court summons for failed direct debits and was told her balance was just three pence when she contacted her bank. 

It then transpired that Willey had helped herself to £64,434.62 of the victim’s money between December 2019 and November 2022.  

During a police interview following her arrest, she admitted fraudulently obtaining money and told detectives she was addicted to crack cocaine.  

Willey, of Birchwood, Orton Goldhay, withdrew the money to fund her habit and thought she had used about £10,000.  

She had previously admitted fraud by false representation before her court appearance and an indefinite restraining order is also now in place.

Willey will be subject to a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing where an order will be made for the victim to have her funds repaid.   

Det Con Lauren Easton, who investigated the case, said: “Willey abused the trust of an elderly woman who looked to her for support.   

“I am pleased we have brought her to justice and the victim will have her stolen money repaid.”