Romanian trickster who stole from an 84-year-old man set for deportation

Rodica Cartofeanu, of no fixed address, got into the flat in Haven Close, Vange, on July 27, after begging the pensioner for a glass of water to take some pills.

The 48-year-old followed him home after talking to him on a bus and continued nagging him despite his demands that she go away.

Basildon Crown Court heard after leaving the flat, Cartofeanu was confronted by neighbours.. She then decided to leap over a 30ft balcony in a bid to escape.

Police later arrested her in hospital where she was treated for leg injuries.

Cartofeanu was due to stand trial for burglary but pleaded guilty to theft and shouted from the dock: “I would like to be deported!”

The court heard Cartofeanu came to the UK in 2007 but was sent home in 2013 after serving an 18 month sentence for burglary.

Cartofeanu, who has racked up ten convictions for 16 offences, suffers from mental health problems.

Gavin Burrell, mitigating, said: “When the defendant went back to Romania she had no family and was sectioned in a psychiatric hospital.

“She then went to stay with her sister who lives in Brussels. She then used her Romanian passport to enter the UK.”

At this point, Cartofeanu interrupted, saying: “I have a residence and I have family. I would like to be deported please.”

Judge David Owen-Jones jailed her for ten months, but said because she has been on remand for more than four months deportation would happen within weeks.

He said: “This was a mean offence. You were clearly targeting the victim. You followed him and took advantage of his kindness and much to his reluctance he invited you into his house.

“This was an artifice theft. You asked for a glass of water and at some stage he provided it. His jacket was there and in the pocket was his wallet. Fortunately two neighbours come to his assistance and managed to detain you.

“You then escaped. Sadly for you, jumping 30 feet caused an injury.”