PARENTS who were given overnight accommodation by a charity after taking their poorly baby to Bristol Children's Hospital stole most of the room's fixtures and fittings.
The couple, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, stole pillows, cushions, a duvet, towels, an alarm clock, a laundry basket, a bath mat, a soap dish and a toothbrush holder.
They had taken their four-week-old baby son to the hospital in May last year for treatment because he had complications with his lungs.
While he was being treated, the pair, who are unemployed but receive income support, were offered overnight accommodation by the Ronald McDonald House Charity.
The independent charity provides home from home accommodation free of charge to the families of critically ill children receiving hospital care.
Laura Opie, prosecuting at Bristol Magistrates' Court yesterday, said that the couple stayed in the accommodation for just one night.
"The next day they left their room because their child had to be transferred to a different hospital," she said.
"After they left staff checking the room found that most of its fixtures and fittings were missing."
The court heard that the father, aged 42, originally told police that all the items belonged to him but finally pleaded guilty to theft at a court hearing on July 9.
His partner, 22, also admitted theft of the items, the total value of which came to £200.
Matthew Pitt, defending the father, explained that both defendants were "vulnerable".
"My client has learning difficulties and left a special needs school with no qualifications," he said.
"He has problems with reading and writing and finds it hard to communicate. He also has psychological problems and suffers with depression.
"The couple have three other children – all of whom have been adopted or fostered because of neglect.
"Their son being ill put them under a lot of stress and pressure, especially because they were driving back and forth between their home and the hospital in Bristol.
"They don't have an explanation for why they took the items.
"It was not for financial gain but they accept it was dishonest."
Liz Highams, defending the mother, said she had a traumatic upbringing but wanted to get back into education or employment.
Presiding magistrate Gillian Moon told the pair: "This was a particularly despicable offence.
"It will have impacted on other distressed parents who really need to use this facility."
The father was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months. He must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
The mother was sentenced to a 12-month community order with an eight-week curfew from 7pm to 7am.
The couple must pay £200 compensation to the charity and were ordered to pay £500 costs.
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