A hospice and domestic abuse victims will benefit from the proceeds of crime this Christmas after cosmetics and toiletries seized from a convicted thief where donated to St Michael’s Hospice in Harrogate and a women’s refuge run by the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS).
80 bags of stolen goods, still in their packaging, have been distributed to the organisations including 121 bottles of perfume, 293 deodorants, 244 shampoos and conditioners, 161 Elizabeth Arden luxury toiletries and 176 toilet rolls.
The goods were seized as part of an investigation into theft from Marsden Chemists in Harrogate.
Pharmacist, Vanessa Jane Hoyle, 45, of Arthurs Close, Harrogate, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft on 20 December 2010 after she stole the goods from her employer. On 26 May 2011, she was given a 10-month jail sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.
At the Confiscation Hearing on 28 September 2012, York Crown Court also ordered that Hoyle pay Marsden’s chemist £25,000 compensation and made a further confiscation order against her in the sum of £13,112.50. All the items have been donated by Order of York Crown Court in the confiscation proceedings against Hoyle.
The goods were stolen between December 2004 and July 2010 and include products by Chanel, Calvin Klein, Dior, Elizabeth Arden, Vichy and numerous other skin care products and cosmetics, several toothbrushes, soap and toilet rolls.
Some of the luxury cosmetics will be used as Christmas presents for women who are forced to flee from their homes due to domestic abuse over the Christmas period. The everyday items will be made into emergency packs for women and children who have left home with no possessions.
The remaining items including some luxury goods, have been donated to St Michael’s Hospice distribution centre.
North Yorkshire Police’s Financial Investigator Kate Wells, said:
We are pleased that something positive has come out of this investigation and hope that the goods provide some comfort to people who find themselves in terrible circumstances over the festive season.
Janice Fife, Harrogate and District Manager for IDAS, added:
We are really pleased that the police thought of our clients when this occurred. It will be used to help some very vulnerable women and families at a difficult time.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, do not suffer in silence, please call the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also call the IDAS helpline 0300 0110110 during office hours Monday to Friday or visit their website www.idas.org.uk for advice and support.
