A BID to retrieve cash from a woman who stole money held in “safe-keeping” for a distant relative should be confirmed in the New Year.

Georgina Jayne Appleby took an estimated £27,000 from more than £30,000 being stored in a lockable gun cabinet on behalf of the relative of her husband.

She was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and was ordered to perform 180 hours’ unpaid work, at Durham Crown Court, in July.

Thirty-eight-year-old Appleby, of Hawthorn Road, Carrville, Durham, admitted a charge of theft at a hearing a month earlier.

The court was told she “dipped into” the money to meet household bills and repay debts over a 14 month period up to February this year.

Stephen Andrews, in mitigation, said she felt “physically sick” each time she took money and had hoped to be able to repay it, in the long term.

But Mr Andrews told the court she intended putting the family house up for sale to repay the victim.

Appleby was back at the court today (Wednesday November 12) for a hearing under Proceeds of Crime Act procedures.

Laurie Scott, for the Crown, said there are two “significant issues” still to be resolved before a confiscation figure can be settled, based on her agreed assets.

He said the house sale is due for completion next month, while there is also the issue of a family caravan, which may not be in her name.

The case was adjourned for those issues to be resolved and Appleby was bailed to return to court for the re-arranged confiscation hearing, on Thursday January 15.