A TEENAGER has been jailed for a year for various offences including robbery, burglary and possession of an offensive weapon.
The 16-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was handed the one year custodial sentence on November 22 at Worcester Magistrate’s Court.
On Friday, March 3 the boy, along with a co-defendant, targeted an 83-year-old man, entering his house under the guise of working for the council.
Once inside, they stole various items, including the keys to the man’s car. They then stole the car, causing such extensive damage that it was written off by the man’s insurance company.
They then returned to the house on March 12, and again on March 15, forcing entry and stealing more items.
DC Lothian, from the CID priorities team, who investigated the burglaries, said: “Burglary causes great stress and upset to victims, but in this situation a man in his eighties has been preyed upon and his vulnerability has been taken advantage of which makes it all the more despicable.”
On April 16, while investigations were ongoing into the burglaries, the youth went on to steal from Asda in Bromsgrove.
After the theft he made his way to Birmingham Road where, along with a co-defendant, they robbed a victim at knifepoint.
In total the youth was sentenced to an 18-month detention and training order for the burglaries, of which 12 months will be served in custody. He was also handed a protection from harassment restraining order for 10 years.
In relation to the incidents on April 16, the boy was found guilty of theft, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to a 24-month detention & training order, to run concurrently with the order for the burglaries.
PC Green, of the neighbourhood crime fighting team in north Worcestershire, who led the investigation into the theft and robbery, said:
“We are pleased the court has found this boy guilty of the offences he committed. His actions caused a lot of trauma to the victim, which will stay with them for some time.”
DC Lothian added: “While we’re pleased that the boy will face justice for his actions, it’s important to note that the sentence handed to the youth in this case has a strong focus on rehabilitation.
“I hope that this will ensure the boy receives the support he needs to divert his life away from one of crime.”
