Burglar jailed after assault on pensioner
A BURGLAR wearing a pillow case over his head assaulted an elderly man as he tried to raid his home.
Drug addict David Thompson had crept into the house through an unlocked door and was helping himself to jewellery and antiques in the 71-year-old’s bedroom when he was rumbled by the victim’s son.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Thompson quickly turned aggressive and made threats as the two men tried to prevent him from leaving the scene before he shoved the pensioner against a wall and poked him in the face.
However, the 33-year-old thief’s escape was thwarted as the police arrived, having been called by the victim’s wife.
Thompson, who was on bail for trying to burgle another home a few weeks earlier, is now starting a sentence of two years and five months after he admitted burglary, attempted burglary, assault by beating and criminal damage.
The court heard that, on the afternoon of February 3 this year, Thompson sneaked into the home of a pensioner, his wife and their son and headed for a bedroom.
Ms Dowling added: “He searched the room and took some coins and jewellery. In addition, some items were moved in the room into a bag.
“He was caught by the occupants’ son, who heard a noise. He was challenged because he was seen leaving the bedroom with his head in a pillowcase.”
It was while the son and his father tried to detain Thompson that he struck out at the pensioner and told him “I know where you live”.
In a statement, the victim said his wife was now frightened to be in the house on her own.
Locking up Thompson, who has 128 offences on his record, Judge Julie Clemitson said: “The victims said memories of the offence will never leave them.
“Your actions had a considerable impact on that family.”