Jail threat for neighbours of elderly woman

Convicted drug dealer Michelle Joanne Cooper, 29, of Thornton Road, Bradford, and Mark Boyd Smith, 48, of Horton Park Avenue, Bradford, had been due to stand trial yesterday accused of neglecting the woman, who was in her 80s.

They were also accused of abusing their position after being given enduring power of attorney over her financial affairs.

After the pair entered guilty pleas to a seven fraud charges, prosecutor Ken Green told Judge Peter Benson that the allegation of neglect or ill-treatment would be left to lie on the file when the defendants are sentenced next month.

The fraud offences cover a 12-month period beginning in June 2007. Smith also admitted a separate charge of possessing criminal property amounting to 5,570.

The judge told the pair they faced prison but granted both bail.