Thief changes her plea

A FORMER campaigner for disgraced ex-Oldham MP Phil Woolas has pleaded guilty to stealing a bed, fridge freezer and table.

Rebecca McGladdery of Warrington Street, Lees, was due to stand trial yesterday after originally pleading not guilty at an earlier Oldham Magistrates’ Court hearing.

The 48 year old changed her plea before the trial was due to begin. The case was adjourned for reports.

McGladdery sold the items, worth around £175, to a removals company for £40 between October and November, last year. The items were taken from her father’s house and belonged to Shirley Tunnicliffe, her father’s partner. Prosecuting Annabelle Hartley reported “bad blood” between the two women.

Michelle Mann, defending, said McGladdery had admitted she was “unsure” whether the items belonged to her father or Ms Tunnicliffe when she sold them.

McGladdery had previously fraudulently claimed benefits totalling £6,413 while working for which she was given a community order.