A WOMAN helped to send her own dad and aunt to jail – after naming them following a Facebook appeal.

Cora Patterson was commended for her bravery by a judge at Bolton Crown Court who was sentencing Colin and Janine Patterson.

The pair appeared in court after previously admitting stealing a number of items of high sentimental value from a retired woman in a burglary.

Following the incident, the victim’s daughter-in-law posted CCTV footage on Facebook asking if anyone knew the pair.

Colin Patterson’s own daughter Cora Patterson commented – naming the burglars.

Cora Patterson said: “I’ll tell you the names, Colin Patterson and Janine Patterson, absolutely ashamed to call them my dad and auntie.” The burglars were arrested by police soon afterwards.

Colin Patterson was sentenced to four years in prison and Janine Patterson, of Tonge Moor Road, to 30 months in prison for this offence and six months in prison for a previous crime for which she was serving a suspended sentence.

David Lees, prosecuting, told the court how on March 14 this year, the brother and sister broke into the home of Marlene Stott, in Osmund Avenue in Breightmet.

Janine Patterson, aged 33, waited outside the house while Colin Patterson, aged 40, raided the property.

months in prison for this offence and six months in prison for a previous crime for which she was serving a suspended sentence.

David Lees, prosecuting, told the court how on March 14 this year, the brother and sister broke into the home of Marlene Stott, in Osmund Avenue in Breightmet.

Janine Patterson, aged 33, waited outside the house while Colin Patterson, aged 40, raided the property.

A number of items were stolen including jewellery that was given to Mrs Stott by her parents before they died for her 21st birthday and a swimming medal that belonged to her mother.

Colin and Janine Patterson arrived at the property at around 1.30pm and left about 25 minutes later, shortly before Mrs Stott returned home from visiting her daughter.

A number of rooms had been disturbed and there was smashed glass on the ground outside the property.

None of the stolen items have been recovered.

Mr Lees told the court that Mrs Stott was now scared to go out.

Addressing the court, judge Timothy Stead, said that it is always commendable when a member of the public assists the police, but especially when it is members of their own family.

He said: “It does take some serious courage to do that. As far as I’m concerned, she (Cora Patterson) should be commended.”

Alex Langhorn, representing Colin Patterson, said that his client’s “one and really only” point of mitigation was that he made a guilty plea at the first opportunity and that his client did not want to make excuses.

The court heard how Colin Patterson, of Chorley Old Road, had 34 previous convictions for burglary.

Alison Heyworth, representing Janine Patterson, told the court how her client had been a drug addict for 15 years but in recent years had entered a relationship that had stabilised her but she was vulnerable emotionally and physically.