A DRUG addict who robbed a disabled man in his Bradford home told the judge who spared her immediate prison he had made the right decision.

Joanne Evans thanked Judge Jonathan Gibson for locking her up in HMP Newhall on remand for a month because she was now free from drugs after 20 years.

She said that gave her the confidence to make a new start in life.

Evans, 45, of Mallard Court, Lower Grange, Bradford, pleaded guilty to robbery, theft and bank card fraud, all against the same vulnerable victim.

Bradford Crown Court heard today that she stole the man’s bank card on December 23, 2018, and used it to defraud him of money.

On January 15, 2019, she banged on the door of his address in Allerton. She pushed him against the wall and when he tried to call for help, she prised the phone from his fingers and ran off with it.

When questioned by the police, she denied being at the man’s home at the time of the robbery.

In his victim personal statement, he said he now kept his door locked and he was afraid to go out.

Evans had 12 previous convictions for 23 offences, including drugs offences and matters of dishonesty.

Her barrister, Ken Green, said she had a long-standing addiction to Class A drugs stretching back more than 20 years.

She was motivated to change her life and was free from drugs after being remanded into custody for four weeks while awaiting sentence.

Mr Green said the offences dated back to late 2018 and early 2019. Evans’ probation officer said there was a good prospect of rehabilitation.

Evans, who was on a video link to the prison, asked to read out a letter she had written to the judge.

She thanked him for sending her to prison for a month, allowing her to get clean of drugs, and said she was very sorry for committing the offences.

If Judge Gibson gave her a chance, she would make the most of the opportunity.

“I will promise you, you won’t see me again. I want to make something of my life,” she said.

Evans was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement and up to 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days with the probation service.

A five-year restraining order bans her from contacting her victim or going to his home address. She was also ordered to pay him £140 compensation.

After she was sentenced, Evans told Judge Gibson: “I will prove you to be right and that you have made the right decision.”