A DUNFERMLINE woman preyed on a vulnerable pensioner, took her to a café then stole her purse.

The 69-year-old victim was left “very upset” after her purse, containing £40, and her cars was stolen by binge drinker Corinne Jackson.

At Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Jackson, 50, of Broomhead Drive, admitted that on September 5, at Café Giacomo, Cross Wynd, Dunfermline, she stole a purse and contents.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said the victim had used the dial-a-ride service to travel into Dunfermline town centre at 1.50pm.

She was sitting on a bench near the bus station when Jackson sat down beside her.

“The accused asked the woman to go for a cup of tea but she declined. The accused continued to ask her and took her by the wrist.”

The pensioner got up and was led into Queen Anne Street and then into the Giacomo café.

Because of her mobility issues, the woman was helped into a seat by a staff member.

The victim took £3 out of her purse and gave it to Jackson to pay for the tea.

Jackson took the money but also lifted the woman’s purse and went to stand in the queue but left the café before being served.

After about 10 minutes, the pensioner told staff that her purse had been taken.

“Police were called and when they arrived, they found the woman to be very upset at what had happened,” added the depute.

Jackson was identified after CCTV was viewed by officers.

Defence solicitor Stephen Morrison said: “She’s disgusted with herself and mortified. Her explanation seems to centre around the fact she has a significant issue with alcohol and she binge-drinks.”

Sheriff Charles MacNair said: “The complainer was going about her business and you spent some time persuading her to go with you. When she did you stole her purse. It’s extremely fortunate that the purse and its contents were returned to the woman but that was only because of you being identified from the CCTV.”

He imposed a community payback order with 135 hours of unpaid work.