Published date: 11 July 2016 |
Published by: Staff reporterRead more articles by Staff reporterEmail reporter
A BURGLAR with a string of convictions sneaked into the home of a 96-year-old widow and made off with her handbag containing £500 in cash.
Judge Rhys Rowlands said the contrast between heroin addict James Henry, 39, and his victim, a retired nurse, could not be more stark and told the defendant he had committed a despicable offence.
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, he said.
Henry, of Llys Cunliffe in Mold, who claimed he did not know his near-neighbour was an elderly woman, may not have targeted the pensioner, the judge said.
But he would have known immediately he entered her ground floor flat it was the home of an elderly or vulnerable person.
Yet he went on to steal her handbag and cash.
Mold Crown Court heard on Friday how the victim had popped to the toilet for a couple of minutes.
But during that time Henry, who was jailed for three years, walked in and took the handbag which had been left on the floor by her chair because she was arthritic and found the bag heavy to carry.
Fortunately members of her family who lived close by realised what was happening and raised the alarm.
Henry admitted burglary on June 8 and in addition to the prison sentence was made the subject of a five-year restraining order not to go within 100 metres of the property.
Prosecutor Emmalyne Downing told how the victim went out for lunch with her great-grandson, she returned home, and 10 minutes later popped to the bathroom.
It was in that few moments 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 retired nurse did not wish to make a victim impact statement as 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.
The elderly lady had mobility issues and the offence occurred while she was still grieving for her husband.
Arrested and interviewed, Henry said he was walking past the house, saw the bag through the window, went inside and took it. He spent the money on heroin and paying off a drugs debt.
Defending barrister Mark Connor said Henry was not aware an elderly lady lived there and was remorseful and ashamed.
Drugs had blighted his life since he was a teenager and he considered himself now too old for such offending. He had a bad record and had previously received jail sentences totalling 16 years.
Judge Rowlands said Henry was a prolific burglar with 15 convictions for burglary or attempted burglary in people’s homes.
“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.
She was fortunate to have a very close family who kept an eye on her and the burglary would have an effect on them too.
The victim had mobility issues, walked with a frame, and within a couple of minutes when she went to the bathroom “you went in and stole her handbag.”
Judge Rowlands said the victim was extremely vulnerable and while he may not have targeted her, he had preyed on a near neighbour and would have been aware when he entered that it was the home of an elderly person.
He said: “I take the view that this was a particularly serious and mean offence. It is not overstating it to say that it was quite despicable to steal once you were in the flat and realised the nature of your victim.”
Judge Rowlands warned him that but for his guilty plea, he would have received a sentence of up to five years.
see-http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/164147/-despicable-flintshire-burglar-jailed-after-stealing-handbag-with-500-from-home-of-96-year-old-widow.aspx
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