A refugee, who the victim of a burglary, wants to leave where he lives so he can get away from the "bad people" in the area, a court has heard.
The victim's home in Griffith John Street in Brynmelyn, Swansea, was raided on the afternoon of July 22 while he was out at a meeting, and a haul of items — including a laptop, mobile phone, clothes, jewellery, after shave, sun glasses and even chocolates — was stolen.
Phillipa Turner, of Granogwen Road, Mayhill, Swansea , had previously pleaded guilty to burglary when she appeared at Swansea Crown Court via videolink.
The court heard the 28-year-old was caught on CCTV entering the victim's flat at around 4pm on July 21 before leaving with a number of items — only to return a short time later and help herself to more of his personal possessions.
Kevin Jones, prosecuting, said police described Turner as "hard to track down" but that she was spotted by officers on nearby Croft Street on August 11. She ran-off but left behind a sports bag which had belonged to the burglary victim.
Turner was eventually located and arrested on August 27 following a police appeal for help in the media.
The court heard that the victim was a refugee from Eritrea who "wanted to live a quiet life" and had been left feeling "violated" by the intrusion into his flat.
In a victim impact statement read to the court he said he was a religious man who did not drink alcohol, and wanted to be moved out of the Griffith John Street flats — and out of the city centre in general — to get away from disruptive and rowdy behaviour, and "bad people" in the area.
The court heard Turner has eight previous convictions for offences including shoplifting, failing to attend drug assessment appointments, possession of Class A, B and C drugs, and being concerned in the supply of heroin.
She was on bail for a theft matter — for which she is due to be sentenced — when she committed the Griffith John Street burglary.
Andrew Evans, for Turner, said one of the sentencing options open to the court was immediate custody — something his client would welcome.
The advocate said Turner was aware of the impact her drug use and offending was having on her family, and wanted to use a period in custody "to rid herself of all drugs — including prescription drugs".
He added that his client wanted to "distance herself from the lifestyle she has been living since the age of 20".
Turner was sentenced to 10 months in prison, half of which she will spend in custody before being released on licence.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/refugee-wants-leave-flat-wales-11948604
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