Burglar who targeted OAPs awaits his fate

Published on 12th April 2007 in News

An 18-year-old man from Hook has appeared before magistrates faced with several burglary and attempted burglary charges at a residential development for the elderly in Goole.

John Sands (18), of Garth Close, pleaded guilty to four charges of burglary and one of attempted burglary when he appeared at Goole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, April 3.

Teresa Slater, for the Crown Prosecution Service, told the court that Hanover Court, based in Wentworth Drive, is sheltered accommodation for elderly people and is warden-controlled.

Between January 18 and January 30 Mr Sands burgled or attempted to burgle seven flats within the complex along with a youth, who cannot be named because he is a juvenile

The first burglary was reported after an 86-year-old woman returned home to her flat and found that jewellery, a travel clock and two commemorative coins were missing.

Nine days later Mr Sands and two youths were seen near Hanover Court. They were wearing hooded tops and were acting suspiciously. One member of the group was wearing a stocking over his head.

The group rode off on bicycles - it was later discovered that three bicycles had been stolen from a communal area in the development.

On that day an elderly resident found that several items of jewellery had been taken, along with a small amount of money.

That day, another resident found her bedroom window was open wider than usual but nothing had been taken.

All the stolen items were recovered and on arrest and interview Mr Sands admitted entering the seven flats.

Defending, Mr Michael Farr told the court that Mr Sands previously had a good character, and it was 'unusual' for him to be found in the company of other offenders.

Mr Farr said that Mr Sands, to his credit, had made 'full and frank' admissions of his crimes.

Magistrates decided that Mr Sands should be sentenced at Hull Crown Court on April 30. Until that time he was granted bail on the conditions that he lives at his home in Garth Close and adheres to a curfew between 10pm and 7am.