A prolific Southport thief has been jailed for two years and three months after using a model boat to gain entry to a pensioner's home and stealing thousands of pounds worth of jewellery.
Warren Wright, 54, spotted a toy ship in Michael Holden's window and feigned interest in the elderly man's collection to gain entry to the property. Once inside, he stole a £2,400 gold chain from around Mr Holden's neck and a 45-year-old engagement ring worth £2,200 belonging to his disabled wife.
Victim left 'embarrassed and angry'
In a victim statement read to Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Holden said he was left "embarrassed and angry" after Wright "took full advantage of his good nature", and said he felt like he had "let his wife down".
Wright also stole a £500 chain from RB Collectibles on Lord Street in Southport and assaulted a vulnerable man, Anthony Smith, punching him in the face after he refused to hand over money following a campaign of threatening text messages. Mr Smith was bombarded with a series of text messages from the defendant over several days demanding money.
Previous convictions and sentencing
Wright, who has 86 previous convictions for 167 offences, admitted theft from a person, theft from a dwelling, theft from a shop, assault by beating and a malicious communications offence. He was handed a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting either victim.
Wearing a navy blue jumper in the dock, Wright gave a thumbs up and said "thank you" as he was led to the cells. Sentencing, Recorder Anna Price told him: "I do consider there to be very limited mitigation in this case. You clearly have mental health issues. I accept that there have been traumatic events in your background. You are at risk of losing your accommodation."
