A pregnant teen is responsible for sending her dad to prison after seeing him and her aunt robbing a house in a viral Facebook video.
Cora Patterson, 19, reported her dad Colin and aunt Janine to police after CCTV footage was circulated online of the pair allegedly breaking in to a retired woman’s house and stealing sentimental goods.
The soon-to-be mum first outed her family members on Facebook before calling the police.
“I found out I was pregnant in February and dad was over the moon. It was his first grandchild and he told me it would be a fresh start for him,” according to The Sun.
“Less than a month later, I spotted him on CCTV burgling a family home.
“It breaks my heart that my baby will grow up without a grandad. Putting my own father in prison was the hardest thing I have ever done but it was the right thing to do.”
The UK teen said she was devastated when she saw the footage and instantly recognised her relatives.
“There was CCTV footage of the burglars and immediately I recognised my dad and his sister, Janine.
“I felt so angry and ashamed and I posted their names and details on Facebook. I was devastated and I felt so bad for the people whose home he had burgled. I felt at rock bottom.
“I sent my details to the home owner and then I spoke to the police. Dad was arrested soon after.”
Janine and Colin Patterson
The court heard that Colin Patterson had 34 previous convictions for burglary and was sentenced to four years in prison.
His sister Janine was given 30 months in prison for the robbery, as well as six months for a previous conviction for which she was serving a suspended sentence at the time.
Judge Timothy Stead praised Cora Patterson for reporting the pair, saying it was an especially commendable feat due to their relationship.
“It does take some serious courage to do that. As far as I’m concerned, she should be commended,” he said.
