Thieving Ayr hairdresser targets elderly client

Jul 16 2010 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Thieving hairdresser targets elderly client

A HEARTLESS hairdresser robbed an unsuspecting elderly client in her own home.

Gillian Dickie, 43, helped herself to money from 85-year-old Susan McLean’s handbag.

She admitted stealing £35 over two occasions from Mrs McLean when she appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court this week.

However, her not guilty plea to stealing a further £10 on a separate occasion was accepted by prosecutors.

When she was arrested, Dickie claimed she stole the money because she was angry at Mrs McLean’s family.

She told police: “I stole the money because I feel bitter. I feel like I’m underpaid and undervalued.

“I wanted them to confront me. I wanted to get caught I feel so bitter.”

Defence lawyer Peter Lockhart told the court: “She does feel shame and remorse for her behaviour.

“She built up a good relationship with this lady over 10 years, but latterly there was some friction.

“She tells me she was asked to do other errands and that she was paid £5 for 10 years.

“There are two things that go against her here. She never raised the issue of the money or the fact she was helping out with other things.

“But that does not justify what she done and the fact it happened twice.

“She is deeply ashamed of her behaviour.”

Mr Lockhart went on to claim that Dickie has lost her business as a result of this and that she is now relying on her husband’s income.

Dickie, of Ayr’s Cunningham Crescent, pleaded guilty to stealing £15 on May 6 and £20 on May 14.

She was ordered to pay a £300 fine and the rest of the money she owes her victim.

After the sentence, Mrs McLean’s two daughters hit out.

But Vera Buchanan and Margaret Corrigan said they didn’t expect the lenient sentence from the court.

Vera said: “We trusted her in my mum’s home and we gave her chocolates and wine at Christmas.

“We were absolutely shocked when we found out what was going on.”

Margaret added: “We just want other clients to be aware of what Gillian Dickie is capable of.”

Mrs McLean added: “She’s a wash-out. It’s terrible what she done.”