Cora Patterson turned her father (left) over to police. Photo / Supplied / Facebook
Cora Patterson turned her father (left) over to police. Photo / Supplied / Facebook
A pregnant teenager turned her father and aunt over to the police after spotting CCTV footage of them burgling an elderly woman's home.
Cora Patterson saw her family members stealing the sentimental items from an elderly woman's home when police issued a Facebook appeal to catch them, the target="_blank">Daily Mail reported.
The 19-year-old was later praised by a judge at Bolton Crown Court for having the bravery to name her father Colin Patterson and aunt Janine Patterson as the culprits.
Colin and Janine Patterson broke into Marlene Stott's home on March 14 and stole items including jewellery given to the victim by her late parents before they died for her 21st birthday.
Her father, who had 34 previous convictions for burglary, was sentenced to four years in jail.
Janine Patterson was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the same offence and six months in prison for a previous crime for which she was serving a suspended sentence.
Ms Patterson told The Sun she realised her father had committed the crime shortly after she found out she was pregnant with his first grandchild.
She said: "Putting my own father in prison was the hardest thing I have ever done but it was the right thing to do."
Cora said she felt 'angry and ashamed' so posted their names on Facebook, leading to their arrest. Photo / Facebook / Cora Patterson
She said she felt "angry and ashamed" so posted their names on Facebook, leading to their arrest.
Her father then sent a chilling text telling his daughter he was going to kill himself. But she said: "I realised he was just selfish and attention-seeking. I certainly wasn't the one who should be feeling guilty."
As her father and aunt appeared at Bolton Crown Court, the judge praised Ms Patterson for her bravery.
Judge Timothy Stead, said: "It does take some serious courage to do that. As far as I'm concerned, she (Cora Patterson) should be commended."
