A Southport man who stole a gold chain from a pensioner's neck and then feigned interest in his model boat collection to steal his disabled wife's engagement ring has been jailed for two years and three months.
Warren Wright, 54, of Albert Road in Southport, admitted theft from a person, theft from a dwelling, theft from a shop, assault by beating and a malicious communications offence at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday afternoon. He was also handed a restraining order banning him from contacting the two victims for five years.
Assault on vulnerable man
The court heard Wright had known Anthony Smith, described as vulnerable, for around six years. Over several days, he bombarded Mr Smith with text messages demanding money and issuing threats. On August 21 last year, shortly after midday, Mr Smith was sitting on a bench when Wright approached him and punched him to the right side of his face, saying "I will f***ing kill you".
Iain Criddle, prosecuting, said Mr Smith had previously handed over cash to Wright but "stood up to him on this occasion". Mr Criddle added: "Mr Smith says that he strongly believes the reason he has done this is because he has refused to give Mr Wright money. As a result, he was punched to the face. He describes that this caused no injury but upset him greatly."
Theft from shop and pensioner
On September 5 this year, Wright attended RB Collectibles on Lord Street in Southport and used a hook to remove a gold chain from inside a glass cabinet, leaving without paying for the £500 item, which was never recovered.
Three weeks later, on September 24, Wright encountered Michael Holden, aged in his 70s, outside his home where he cares for his disabled wife. CCTV showed Wright befriending Mr Holden and putting his arm around his shoulder before removing a chain from his neck. Mr Criddle said Wright then engaged Mr Holden in conversation about his model boat collection, one of which was on display in his front window, adding: "He said that he was interested in model boats. It was clearly a ruse to get into the house."
Once inside, Wright entered a bedroom and stole Mr Holden's wife's engagement ring. The gold chain was valued at £2,400 and the 45-year-old engagement ring at £2,200. Neither item was recovered.
Victim impact and sentencing
In a statement read to the court, Mr Holden said he was left "embarrassed and angry" after Wright "took full advantage of his good nature". Mr Criddle added: "The offence has made him feel fearful in his own home. He trusted the suspect and believed that he had a genuine interest in boats and ships. His wife is often tearful, as she believes the suspect will take her away. He is in fear that the defendant might come back. He has even considered moving home."
Charles Lander, defending, said Wright has a long-standing diagnosis of bipolar disorder, depression and social anxiety, and had "spiralled" back into alcohol and heroin use. He noted Wright has lived in his accommodation for the last seven years and urged the judge to consider other options.
Recorder Anna Price told Wright: "You approached Michael Holden, who was outside his home address. He lives there with his disabled wife, who he cares for. I accept that you did not know he had a disabled wife. Nevertheless, it would have been clear that Mr Holden was an elderly gentleman. You saw a model boat in his window and used that as an excuse to worm your way into his house."
Wearing a navy blue jumper in the dock, Wright gave a thumbs up and said "thank you" as he was led to the cells. He has 86 previous convictions for 167 offences dating back to 1987.
