Fortune-telling fraudster targeted autistic teenager

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Published Date: 25 March 2008

Fortune-telling fraudster targeted autistic teenager

By Stef Hall Crime Reporter

A fortune-telling con artist from ~Preston who tricked an autistic

teenager into handing over money has avoided jail.

Eileen Kiely, 42, made the confused and frightened 19-year-old walk

to a cash machine and withdraw £250 in return for telling her fortune

in a 25-minute ordeal.

In a final cruel act she gave the girl a piece of heather and told

her she would have a boyfriend and a baby within the next year.

But Kiely could not predict her own misfortune – eagle-eyed readers

recognised her following an Evening Post appeal.

The fraudster, of Lily Grove, Holme Slack, Preston, has been

sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, at

Preston Magistrates Court.

The girl's mother, who does not wish to be named, said: " My daughter

hasn't just had her money stolen, she has had her confidence stolen

too.

" She still freezes if she see someone who looks like Kiely.

" My daughter works voluntarily for a charity and was returning that

day from a course at the Job Centre to help her find paid work.

" She is trying to make something of herself. But this woman, who

probably doesn't have the difficulties my daughter has, gets by by

targeting vulnerable people.

" My daughter only had her cash card that day because she wanted to

buy her brother something for his birthday. "

" She felt very threatened and intimidated.

" She was returning from the city when she was approached. She just

couldn't get away from her. I think she was only targeted because

Kiely could tell she had a disability. "

The girl, who has Asperger's Syndrome – a form of autism – was

approached on Orchard Street, ushered down Lowthian Street and

badgered for money.

Kiely escorted the 19-year-old through the St 's Shopping

Centre on to Fishergateto the Abbey National.

The teenager withdrew £250 from a machine inside the bank before she

was escorted to another side street opposite Winckley Street, where

police say the thief demanded the cash.

Around 15 calls were made to detectives after the LEP published the

disturbing story in June 2007.

Kiely, who has convictions for benefit fraud, was arrested a short

time later.

The girl's mum said: " We are thrilled this woman has been caught and

want to thank the police and Evening Post for their help.

" We also want to say our thanks a teenager called Sam Cookson who

wrote into the LEP to offer his support.

" He has Asperger's like my daughter and it was very touching. "