A MUM who burgled Carlisle homes, snatching designer bags and also cash cards she tried to use herself, has missed her son’s birthday while remanded in custody.
Forty-year-old Angelina Warnke made a tearful address to a city crown court judge who had been due to sentence her today (wed) for a spate of break-ins and dishonesty crimes spanning seven days in mid-June.
Warnke had admitted ten offences during a magistrates’ court hearing last month.
Her case was committed for sentence to the crown court, where she was due to be punished this morning.
Warnke had pleaded guilty to three burglaries: at Garfield Street, Denton Holme, on June 12; Linton Close, off Lindisfarne Street, on June 14; and Pennine Gardens, off Pennine Way, Harraby, five days later.
Court papers show her loot included Louis Vuitton bags, a Gucci wallet, a driving licence, keys, cash and several bank cards.
Warnke also admitted six offences of fraud by false representation — using other people’s bank cards for her own gain, once at an ASDA store on the same date as one of the burglaries.
She further admitted a charge of vehicle interference involving a Renault Clio on June 14.
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Warnke was remanded in custody due to the serious nature of a crime spree committed with occupiers present and within a short timescale.
But the defendant’s hopes of learning her fate today were dashed when Judge Ian Unsworth QC learned there was no court-appointed interpreter to assist the Polish national.
Only a defence-instructed interpreter attended court, which was not deemed sufficient.
Yet he did assist Warnke as she made tearful comments in her native tongue during the 10-minute hearing.
“I understand what’s being said, I’m just really sad,” she stated, adding of her offending
“I can’t explain why this happened, because I am not a bad person. I was doing a lot of good things in Poland.”
Warnke also said: “I’m just sad because my son had a birthday yesterday. I was unable to wish him ‘all the best’.”
Adjourning the case later this week, the judge told her: “I understand that you want to know what is happening as soon as possible and I have already seen a (probation service) pre-sentence report which sets out the background you have just referred to.
“On Friday Mr (solicitor, Jeff) Smith will be able to explain these matters to me in come detail.
“Please be reassured that the fact I have adjourned this matter will not prejudice you in any way.”
Warnke, of Rydal Street, Carlisle, will remain in custody in the meantime.
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