Cleaner Stole Thousands from Family Safe to Fund Gambling and Luxuries

A cleaner who stole thousands of pounds from a family she worked for has been called “vile and disgusting” after spending the money on gambling and a lavish lifestyle.

Rosie Osbourne, 31, from the Greatfield estate in Hull, admitted in Hull Crown Court that she took money from the safe of a couple who had trusted her to clean their home and help care for an elderly woman with dementia.

Between December 2021 and April 2022, Osbourne discovered a hidden key under a plant pot. She used it to steal cash several times. The safe contained money from the sale of a caravan, a jet ski, and a scooter.

The theft was discovered when the husband noticed the safe had been disturbed and much of the cash was missing. To confirm their suspicions, he took photos of the key’s hiding place before and after Osbourne’s visits. The photos showed the pot had been moved.

The husband then sent Osbourne an anonymous message:
“I know what you have done. You have until 10 pm to bring all the money back, or the police will be called. The camera never lies.”

Osbourne quickly replied, apologizing and admitting what she had done was “vile.” She offered to return £1,200.

While the victims believed £17,000 was missing, prosecutors accepted £5,000 as the amount that could be proved.

Adding to the couple’s distress, they later saw Osbourne posting photos on social media showing expensive birthday parties, gym memberships, brunch outings, and weekends away funded with their stolen money.

The woman, 53, said in court:
“I thought she was a nice girl. Now, every morning I wake up stressed and agitated. It’s something we will never get over.”

Defense lawyer Michael Masson said Osbourne committed the theft because she was struggling with gambling debts and utility bills. He described it as an “offense of opportunity.”

Osbourne had no previous convictions, though she did have a caution from earlier in her life. She told the court she was ashamed and deeply sorry.

The judge said she had seriously abused her employers’ trust and caused lasting harm to people who welcomed her into their home.