Burglar targeted elderly women

AN intruder who stole teddy bears and a wedding ring from elderly women has been jailed.

Daniel Knight stole two utility payment cards and two soft toys from 71-year-old Sandra Wright in Stockwood, Bristol.

He also admitted stealing cash and jewellery from 80-year-old Margaret Baldwin in Monica Wills House Retirement Village, Bedminster.

Knight, 38, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the break-ins which occurred in June and July, and Bristol Crown Court was told he had acquired a drug problem after being sent to prison.

Judge Jason Taylor QC jailed him for two years and 11 months.

Caighli Taylor, prosecuting, said Knight started doing odd jobs for Mrs Wright but helped himself to two 40-year-old teddy bears and two payment cards for gas and electricity.

A few weeks later Knight was seen following Mrs Baldwin as she returned home on her mobility scooter. At some stage he managed to enter her property and helped himself to £400 cash from a jewel- lery box, a safe containing up to £1,300 as well as her late husband’s gold wedding ring and necklace, and her purse containing £100.

Police found his finger print on the jewellery box. The court heard he had 15 convictions for 45 previous offences.

Anthony Bignall, defending, said: “His career has been hectic, mainly acquisitive and violence. There has been nothing for burglary until these. He acquired a drug problem while serving a prison sentence for affray.”