Whanganui woman steals from friend who took her in when she was homeless

Amira Grace England was convicted of burglary when she appeared in the Whanganui District Court yesterday.

"You need to grow up."

That was the message Judge Phillip Crayton gave a Whanganui woman who stole more than $1000 worth of valuables from a friend who took her in when she was homeless.

Amira Grace England was convicted of burglary when she appeared in the Whanganui District Court yesterday.

Judge Crayton said England was known to the court and it was about time she grew up.

"You were given a chance back in June last year and then you do this," Judge Crayton said.

Senior Constable Graham Hoskin said in December last year England was homeless and her friend, whom she had known since she was a child, let her stay in her garage.

Hoskin said the friend went to visit family for a few weeks and England forced entry to her friend's bedroom and stole $1054 of items, including a television, a watch and a charm bracelet.

"On January 3 [England] sold the items to Cash Converters. On January 5 police obtained [England's] fingerprints in the victim's bedroom but the items could not be recovered," Hoskin said.

Judge Crayton said England's history suggests issues with drugs.

"I think this is more than bad judgment."

England for remanded on bail for sentencing on May 2.