A Hitchin woman who defrauded and stole from her mother-in-law to the tune of many thousands of pounds has today had her case adjourned.

Debbie Graham, of Grove Road in Hitchin, in January pleaded guilty to swindling her mother-in-law Barbara Tilley out of a total of £308,284.76.

But appearing for sentence at Cambridge Crown Court this afternoon, the 55-year-old contested the amount of money appropriated – claiming it was closer to £60,000.

The prosecution says that Graham stole £112,970, £160,587 and £20,277.76 relating to the sale of Mrs Tilley’s house while she was in a care home.

Adjourning the case until September 25, Judge Jonathan Cooper told the court: “The case must proceed to sentence on that day.”

Witnesses at that hearing will include the police financial investigator and members of the defendant’s family.

Judge Cooper told Graham: “I’m sure these adjournments don’t do you any good, seeing that you have expected to be sentenced several times previously.

“The case must proceed on the next occasion, whether it’s in front of me or another judge.

“The same thing I’ve said to you on previous occasions continues to apply – on the day of your sentencing you can expect immediate custody.”

Graham admitted fraud and three counts of theft in January.