Man Jailed For Burgling Pensioner

A man has been sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to burglary and theft offences committed at the home of a disabled man in the Southbourne area of Bournemouth.

The court heard how Paul Leslie Lawrence, also known as Paul Ashford, a 56-year old man from Bournemouth, stole jewellery, a mobile phone and cigarettes from a 73-year-old man after gaining entry to his home on Vale Road on Monday 14 May 2012.

The victim was also assaulted.

Officers were informed and a short time after the offence attended the home address of Lawrence where he was arrested on suspicion of dwelling burglary.

Lawrence had previously targeted the same victim on Sunday 25th March 2012, when accompanied by an unidentified woman, he tricked his way into his home by asking to use his toilet.

On this occasion, he stole two mobile phones and a quantity of cash.

Lawrence appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to burglary.

He also pleaded to guilty to theft, and was sentenced to 45 months imprisonment.

Inspector Richard Dixey, of Dorset Police Priority Crime Team, said:

“This was a particularly nasty crime whereby the offender targeted a vulnerable man on separate occasions.

“His property was stolen and he was also subjected to an assault.

“I hope that the sentence handed down in this case will illustrate how seriously these types of offences are viewed by Dorset Police and the courts.”