Gang of 'hoodies' preyed on OAPs

Published on 3rd May 2007 in News

A cruel gang of teenage 'hoody burglars' have been given community sentences for preying on pensioners' homes in Goole.

Police nailed the trio after a string of break-ins include one which targeted irreplaceable gold rings and watches of an 86-year-old woman who lived alone.

They plotted and carried out a series of four burglaries and one attempted break-in at sheltered homes around Hanover Court in January.

Self-confessed burglar John Sands (18) claimed he had been led astray by a more dominant 15-year-old youth after going back to the same 86-year-old widow's home twice to steal more.

Crown barrister Charlotte Baines said Mr Sands was the eldest of the trio but a 16-year-old juvenile had been given a 10-month referral order and a 15-year-old boy had been given a 12-month supervision order for their part in the break-ins.

She said an eye witness walking his dog at 12.30pm on January 27 saw three suspicious 'hoodies' trying to hide their identities near the scene before later cycling off.

She said the first of the break-ins at an elderly widow's home relieved her of a hi-fi stereo from inside her flat and a Raleigh 20 cycle which had been parked in the communal refuse area. An 80-year-old man found his bike had been stolen too.

The 86-year-old who went on holiday on January 19 returned with her son on January 30 to find lights on which she had turned off in the bathroom and various items of post had been opened and thrown in the bin.

She then realised a blue box containing two rings, a gold chain, two watches, two sovereign coins and a metal bracelet had been stolen. Her home had been entered twice said Ms Baines.

A 72-year-old man was sat at his home on January 27 watching TV with his wife at 11.45pm when he heard a loud bang before he got up and went outside.

He saw nothing but returned inside and went into a bedroom and saw a window which had been shut, but not locked, was open and his wife's wedding ring was on the floor.

Ms Baines said he then realised jewellery, including a gold necklace, watches, another wedding ring and a pile of coins had been stolen.

A 74-year-old Hanover Court resident was also startled on January 27 when he heard a noise and checked his house to find a window which was already open had been opened further. Ms Baines said it was evidence of the attempted break-in.

The court heard police arrested the three a short time later in Hook Road. After being issued with warrants the officers recovered some of the items of property from the various addresses.

Mr Sands was interviewed and admitted he had gone in property and taken various items and said they intended to keep the stereo and cycle. Only one of the gang had a previous conviction.

A smartly-suited Mr Sands, of Garth Close in Hook, stood mournfully in the dock of Hull Crown Court on Monday (April 30) watched by his parents after admitting four charges of burglary and one of attempted burglary between January 18 and January 30 this year.

Sentencing Judge Roger Thorn, QC, said he was troubled by a probation background report that said an 18-year-old could be led astray by a 15-year-old.

Defence barrister Steven Garth said that was indeed the reality and urged the judge to follow a recommendation of a suspended sentence of a bright teenager who had no previous record.

Ordering Sands to stand Judge Thorn, QC, told him: "You are a mystery. Here you are in court for a series of five burglaries or attempted burglaries which were at the homes of retired or elderly people. The minimum sentence I would normally pass is one of three years. The courts regard these matters with the utmost seriousness."

He said having read his background report he considered a two year sentence would blight his young life. He ordered Mr Sands should be given a 12-month suspended prison sentence and two-year supervision order with 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.

Before Mr Sands was allowed to walk free Judge Thorn, QC, warned him not to commit another offence. He added: "No court is going to accept you were led astray by a 15-year-old boy again."