‘Despicable’ burglar left elderly woman ‘extremely shaken’ in her own home
A despicable burglar who preyed on an 87-year-old woman left his victim feeling afraid in her own home, a court heard. Dylan Bandeira talked his way into the pensioner's home in Redcar[1] at the end of May last year under the guise of selling cleaning products. He attempted to persuade her to buy low value items at an inflated price before stealing a large amount of cash.
According to Cleveland Police[2], while the woman was physically unharmed, she was extremely shaken and left feeling afraid in her own home. After extensive enquiries Redcar and Cleveland CID identified 21-year-old Bandeira as the suspect and they arrested and charged him. Although Bandeira was given the opportunity to admit what he'd done, he persistently refused to do so meaning the victim had the further stress of a trial.
He was handed a three-year four-month prison sentence after being found guilty of burglary at court last week.
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Click here to join our WhatsApp community[6]. Speaking after sentencing at Teesside Crown Court[7] on Friday, Detective Sergeant Chris Thurston said: "Bandeira's actions in targeting a vulnerable elderly woman were despicable and all our officers were determined to bring him to justice. "Our detectives worked extremely hard to identify him whilst achieving the best possible evidence to secure a charge and we're all relieved he was found guilty by a jury on Friday.
"We all hope the lady gains some comfort knowing he is in prison, and we all wish her well going forward."
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References
- ^ Redcar (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Cleveland Police (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ click this link and select 'Join Community (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Teesside Live (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ can read our Privacy Notice (www.reachplc.com)
- ^ Click here to join our WhatsApp community (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ Teesside Crown Court (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ go here (www.gazettelive.co.uk)