Craig Knapp, 37, from Brynmawr, was told by a judge: 'You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself'
A thief stole a nurse’s purse, keys and handbag from a treatment room before driving off in her car after she treated him for burns.
Craig Knapp, 37, admitted stealing from experienced practice nurse Cheryl Lewis-Thomas at Blaen y Cwm Surgery in Ebbw Vale as well as driving without a valid licence or insurance.
Sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court , Judge Jeremy Jenkins told the defendant: “You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself.”
The court heard the incident occurred at the practice in Blaina Road in Brynmawr on Wednesday, January 18.
Prosecutor Jason Howells said Ms Lewis-Thomas arrived at work around 8am and parked her Nissan Juke in the surgery car park.
She treated patients all morning before driving off during a brief lunch break and returning to the practice in the afternoon.
The court heard there was no space left in the surgery car park so she parked on the road outside before continuing to see patients throughout the afternoon.
Stole cash and cards
Mr Howells said she left the treatment room just before 5pm, leaving her handbag inside.
Ms Lewis-Thomas recalled seeing Knapp and another man sitting near the room as she walked through the waiting area.
When she returned a few moments later she saw the defendant walking out of her room and asked what he was doing.
He told her he was looking for a nurse because he had burnt his foot with hot water.
The court heard she treated him for blisters and began cleaning and tidying when she noticed her car keys were missing.
Mr Howells said Knapp took her purse, containing bank cards and £150 in cash, before driving off in her £10,000 car, which had shopping in the boot.
Prosecutors said the vehicle was recovered from Park Crescent in Brynmawr and Knapp was arrested on January 19.
He made full admissions and the victim’s car and keys were recovered without damage but her purse and cash were not found.
The court heard Ms Lewis-Thomas had been working as a nurse for 22 years and employed at Blaen y Cwm Surgery for 15 years.
In a victim impact statement read out in court she said she no longer felt safe at work or travelling in the car.
Prosecutors said the defendant had 36 convictions for 96 offences including dishonesty, violence and drugs.
An 'opportunistic crime'
Knapp, from Park Crescent, admitted theft, theft of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.
The court heard the offences were committed while he was on licence for a burglary having been released seven weeks earlier.
Jeffrey Jones, defending, accepted his client had a “poor record” but asked the judge to suspend any custodial sentence.
He said Knapp was “short of money” and argued it was an “opportunistic crime” while he was genuinely seeking medical attention.
Judge Jenkins told the defendant: “This was a very mean offence perpetrated against a victim who showed you skill and kindness.”
He added: “You have an appalling record. You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself for doing what you did.”
Knapp, who appeared via video link from HM Prison Cardiff, was jailed for 44 weeks and disqualified from driving for 18 months.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/thief-stole-nurses-handbag-before-12706281
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