Painkiller Addict Stole From Parents To Fund Habit

A painkiller addict stole £30,000 in cash and jewellery from her own parents - including highly sentimental valuables - to support her 32-tablet a day habit.

Telesales worker Estelle Langford, 29, continues to live at the family home, where among other prized possessions she snatched gold watches and bracelets over two years.

"This was theft in rather disreputable circumstances where you stole from the family home in breach of trust," Woolwich Crown Court Judge Stephen Dawson told the first-time offender.

"This was bad criminal behaviour that you acknowledge should not have occurred and it must have been a tough decision by your parents to report it to the police.

"Nothing short of intervention would have stopped you damaging yourself with this drug-taking."

Langford, of Hawthorn Road, Bexleyheath pleaded guilty to stealing the property from her parents Peter and Janice Langford between April 1, 2010 and October 27, last year.

She was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which includes a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

Prosecutor Mr. John Venes told the court: "Her father Peter suspected that his daughter had drug problems because she had several jobs and could not hold one down.

"He had found tablets in a waste bin and under her pillow and noticed gold watches, rings and bracelets had gone missing."

Langford's haul included a £1,000 bracelet; 22 carat gold bracelet, worth £900; a £500 gold watch and a £500 Omega watch.

Langford was eventually confronted and given thirty minutes to leave the house when her father noticed she had stolen items from the garage.

"She said she had stolen to fund a drug habit and the police were called and she was arrested," explained Mr. Venes. 

"She admitted she was dependent on over the counter non-prescription drugs such as codeine and other painkillers.

"She had taken some jewellery of a sentimental value from her mother's bedroom, including her grandmother's heirlooms, and sold it at Cash Convertors and other places, but was rather vague."

Her lawyer Mr. Nicholas Alexander said: "This is an act that Miss Langford has consistently regretted and she acknowledges that what she has done to her family is a gross breach of trust.

"Out of their care and love for their daughter they pressed the matter because they could see her deteriorating and there is now no animosity between them and she remains at the family home.

"Her codeine addiction turned her personality so much and her sister describes her as a transformed person from what she was.

"As a result of a general work injury she took codeine and it progressed to thirty-two tablets a day, which were all bought at chemist shops."

Judge Dawson told Langford: "I hope by the end of the twelve month period the drugs will be behind you and you will be able to get on with your life and recognise your parents love you and want you to end this drug use.

"I am making no order for compensation because the defendant has no income."