Burglar jailed after struggle with blind pensioner
A career burglar with an urge to take things, who was described in court as a kleptomaniac, broke into sheltered accommodation but was confronted by a brave near-blind pensioner, writes Simon Stone.
In a bizarre explanation to police after he was arrested, defendant Richard Key told them he had been invited into the home in Welshpool and that when the pensioner became aggressive he escaped through a window.
Key, 31, of Pennycroft Court, Stafford, pleaded guilty at Mold Crown Court to burglary on August 16.
David Mainstone, prosecuting, said 67-year-old Richard Patterson was vulnerable because of his sight disability.
On August 16 he had been at home in Oldfield Rise listening to the radio when he heard a noise from the bedroom.
He said Mr Patterson jumped up and went into the bedroom where he bravely grabbed Key by the scruff of his neck, demanding to know what he was doing in his home.
"The defendant said he was looking for somewhere to sleep and immediately left by the bedroom window, which is where he was thought to have gained entry," said Mr Mainstone.
In interview with police Key told them he "used to be a burglar".
Debra White, defending, said Key had not targeted Mr Patterson because he was vulnerable. He was working as a £500 a week haulage driver and had parked up near the sheltered housing and just decided to burgle a home.
He realised it was aggravated by the fact it was evening and that Mr Patterson had a disability.
"He does not do this for financial gain and has no dependency on alcohol or drugs," he said. "He just has an urge to take things."
Mrs White said he would seek help in prison for his "kleptomania". She said he had been living with his partner and 13-year-old daughter but his partner had told him she could not cope with his criminal behaviour.
Judge Niclas Parry, sentencing Key to 40 months in jail, said he was a "career burglar" who had committed countless burglaries.
"Now suddenly there is an escalation in seriousness, it was an occupied property at sheltered accommodation," he said.
"You would not have known the person had sight difficulties but it is obvious this kind of accommodation is for vulnerable people. There was a struggle and a confrontation."
