Five years for burglar who tricked 86 year old
A burglar was today starting a five-year jail sentence for attacking a pensioner in her Wolverhampton home and blighting the last months of her life.
A burglar was today starting a five-year jail sentence for attacking a pensioner in her Wolverhampton home and blighting the last months of her life.
John Rooney tricked his way into the 86-year-old's home in Prestwood Road, Fallings Park, after bumping into her as she returned from posting a letter.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how Mrs Margaret Jacobs, who had been burgled before, unwittingly invited Rooney inside when he asked if he could use the bathroom. She later found him in her bedroom.
The 36-year-old was rummaging through drawers.
Mr Timothy Harrington, prosecuting, told how Rooney followed the pensioner downstairs and grabbed her purse, pushing her away when she put a hand on his arm to stop him.
She suffered severe bruising to her wrist when she fell against the fireplace and was greatly distressed, the court heard.
The victim has since died following an unrelated fall.
Judge Nicholas Webb told Rooney: "The last few months of her life were clouded by this incident and you are responsible for that."
The court was told yesterday how two people outside an off-licence across the street had spotted Rooney lurking in the alleyway before the break-in at Mrs Jacobs' home.
Four days earlier he had broken into a property in Halesworth Road, Pendeford, while a couple were enjoying lunch at a local pub.
They returned to find the back door kicked open and the husband's wallet missing.
A neighbour, one of three who saw Rooney's green Audi van outside, was able to give detectives the registration number.
He was arrested six days later in the city centre.
Rooney, of Bridge Street, Willenhall, pleaded guilty to both burglaries, which took place on May 28 and June 1.
Defending him, John Roe said Rooney had a number of serious convictions, including rape, but only one for burglary.
"He very much regrets his behaviour and feels remorse on hearing of Mrs Jacobs' death," he added.
The judge increased Rooney's sentence because of the violence used on Mrs Jacobs.
He told Rooney: "There is no mitigation on your case except for your guilty plea."