This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/nov/02/undertaker-jail-stealing-dead-woman-purse

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Undertaker jailed for stealing dead woman's purse Undertaker jailed for stealing dead woman's purse
(7 days later)
An undertaker who stole a purse from a woman hours after she died has been jailed. Grahame Lawler, 37, of Teversham Road, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, was called to the home of Muriel Swift, 78, in Linton in July after police discovered her body.An undertaker who stole a purse from a woman hours after she died has been jailed. Grahame Lawler, 37, of Teversham Road, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, was called to the home of Muriel Swift, 78, in Linton in July after police discovered her body.
One of the officers had searched the woman's handbag to find some form of identification and noticed her purse.One of the officers had searched the woman's handbag to find some form of identification and noticed her purse.
As there were no suspicious circumstances, Lawler and a colleague arrived and were left to recover the body. Once they left the officer gathered the woman's personal belongings and noticed the purse was missing.As there were no suspicious circumstances, Lawler and a colleague arrived and were left to recover the body. Once they left the officer gathered the woman's personal belongings and noticed the purse was missing.
Police arrested Lawler at Papworth mortuary on suspicion of theft. They searched him and found the purse.Police arrested Lawler at Papworth mortuary on suspicion of theft. They searched him and found the purse.
On Friday he was sentenced to four months in jail at Cambridge crown court after he pleaded guilty to theft, Cambridgeshire police said.On Friday he was sentenced to four months in jail at Cambridge crown court after he pleaded guilty to theft, Cambridgeshire police said.
Jane Carpenter, a close friend of Swift, said: "When I was called by the police it was bad enough being told Muriel had passed away, but when I was told what he did, it was awful, I was shocked to the core and felt sick.Jane Carpenter, a close friend of Swift, said: "When I was called by the police it was bad enough being told Muriel had passed away, but when I was told what he did, it was awful, I was shocked to the core and felt sick.
"Muriel was such a nice and kind person and wouldn't hurt anyone. I can't believe that anyone could walk into her home who was suppose to be doing their job and had the cheek to go into Muriel's purse."Muriel was such a nice and kind person and wouldn't hurt anyone. I can't believe that anyone could walk into her home who was suppose to be doing their job and had the cheek to go into Muriel's purse.
"It is unbelievable. Thank goodness the officers twigged that the purse was missing and pursued this case.""It is unbelievable. Thank goodness the officers twigged that the purse was missing and pursued this case."
Detective Constable Jennie Scott said: "Lawler deliberately abused his position of trust and I am pleased he no longer works as a funeral worker."Detective Constable Jennie Scott said: "Lawler deliberately abused his position of trust and I am pleased he no longer works as a funeral worker."
"It has been an extremely distressing experience for the victim's close friend and I hope they are now reassured that justice has been done.""It has been an extremely distressing experience for the victim's close friend and I hope they are now reassured that justice has been done."
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe.Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. Enter your email address to subscribe.
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.