A woman has admitted befriending a pensioner to get into her home and steal her purse.
Tereasa Mitchell targeted a 74-year-old woman on Windmill Street in Peterhead earlier this year.
She told her victim she had recently moved into the block with her boyfriend and wanted to get to know the neighbours.
She left shortly after having a cup of tea and the pensioner’s carer later noticed her purse was missing.
Police were called and took forensic evidence from the cup she drank from and she was subsequently traced.
The 31-year-old confessed to the incident, which took place on January 19 this year, during an appearance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday.
She also confessed to having a knife and a pair of scissors on her at Drummers Corner in Peterhead on February 4.
Representing her, defence agent Marianne Milligan called on the sherif to order background reports ahead of sentencing.
Sheriff Graeme Napier was initially reluctant to do this given her lengthy criminal record.
He said: “She has been offending since 2004 in Peterhead, Banff and Kilmarnock.
“She has served a custodial sentence for dishonesty, what benefit am I going to get to get from a report?”
Mrs Milligan said: “Since the last incident she has tried to sort her life out.
“I think it would be helpful.”
Sheriff Napier eventually granted her request.
Milligan, whose address was given as HMP Grampian, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month.