A WOMAN blamed the cost-of-living crisis for stealing a friend’s purse containing cash and bank cards from her home, after she and her daughter had been invited to sleep over.

Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court heard this week that Rachael Hince, 35, had been going through a difficult time amid the cost of living crisis.

Hince, from Talgarth, swiped friend Hayley Ewers’ purse off the ironing board one week before Christmas, with police later finding the emptied purse discarded in a draw in the defendant’s home.

Hince – who had been due to attend court to answer a charge of theft two weeks ago – surrendered herself to the court in Llandrindod on Wednesday, March 1, after she’d become aware there was a warrant out for her arrest. She pleaded guilty at the hearing.

Prosecutor Stephen Davies said the silver Fossil purse taken by Hince contained £110 in cash and two Barclays Bank cards.

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“It was around 7.45pm on December 17 when Hayley Ewers used her purse to buy items at Co-op in Talgarth,” he said.

“There, she saw Rachael Hince and that same night she invited the defendant and her daughter to come over and spend the night. The Fossil purse was left on the ironing board with cash and cards inside, the cash amounted to £110.

“The next day at 9am the defendant left her friend’s address with her child. On Monday, December 19, Ms Ewers went to get her purse in order to get money for the kids for school. She knew straight away the defendant had taken it and the police were called.

“On January 8 the police arrested her. They searched her property and found a silver purse in a drawer. Not surprisingly, they didn’t find the money.

“She admitted the offence, she said she had done it due to financial hardship.”

Mr Davies said Hince had one similar previous conviction from 2020.

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Gareth Walters, representing Hince, of Brynderwen, Talgarth, described the theft as “unsophisticated”.

“She would gladly pay the complainant back. It was an opportunity she unfortunately took advantage of,” he said.

“She spent it on food and items for the house. She threw the debit cards in the bin, there was no degree of planning on her part.

“She is someone who is finding it hard during the cost-of-living crisis. She has now been sent to a financial advisor for help.

“She was and still is going through difficult time, with her three children. She has experienced a significant drain on resources and turned to theft, but she has offered remorse.

“I admit that the 2020 conviction is an aggravating feature.”

Magistrates ordered Hince to repay Ms Ewers £110 compensation. She must also pay an £80 fine, £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.