A prolific burglar who sneaked into the home of a 96-year-old widow and made off with her handbag, containing £500, has been jailed for three years.
Heroin addict James Henry was told by a judge that he had committed a despicable offence.
Henry, 39, of Llys Cunliffe in Mold , admitted burglary on June 8 and in addition to the prison sentence was made the subject of a five-year restraining order not to approach within 100 metres of his victim’s home.
Prosecutor Emmalyne Downing said the victim had been out for lunch with her great-grandson, she returned home, and ten minutes later popped to the bathroom.
It was in that few moments that Henry walked in – but fortunately he was seen by family members who kept an eye on her.
One saw a man she recognised as a near neighbour in the house and another saw him leave with the bag.
It was later found in a bin but the money had gone.
The court heard the widow, a retired nurse, did not wish to make a victim impact statement because she wanted to forget about it but her great-granddaughter had told how she lived alone, and was now worried about security.
She had moved to the flat to be close to family and to feel safe.
'Appalled'
The elderly lady had mobility issues and the offence occurred while she was still grieving for her husband.
Arrested and interviewed, Henry said that he was walking past the house, saw the bag through the window, went inside and took it, and had spent the money on heroin and paying off a drugs debt.
Defending barrister Mark Connor said that he was not aware that an elderly lady lived there and was remorseful and ashamed. Drugs had blighted his life since he was a teenager and he had received jail sentences totalling 16 years in the past.
Judge Rhys Rowlands said the contrast between Henry and his victim could not be more stark.
As a former member of the caring profession she had contributed greatly to society while he had done nothing and had become a burden on society.
Henry would have known immediately he entered her ground floor flat that it was the home of an elderly or vulnerable person. But he went on to steal her handbag and cash, the judge said.
The judge said: “This was quite despicable. Anyone hearing this case would be absolutely appalled and very angry,” he said.
The victim came from a generation where she did not want to make a fuss.
“It makes it all the worse,” he said.
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