Man Sentenced For Burglary

22 December 2010, 14:28 | Updated: 22 December 2010, 14:41

A Dartford man has been jailed for three-and-a-half years for burglary after preying on a vulnerable victim.

Adam Roberts, 23, of Cornwall Road, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 20 December to be sentenced, having entered a guilty plea at a previous hearing.

Roberts befriended his 41-year-old victim and whilst pretending to visit him at his home, also in Dartford, was stealing belongings from him to sell and make money from. He was also asking for money from him that he never intended to pay back.

The victim often didn't report some of the thefts as he failed to understand how or why people he considered to be friends would steal from him.

He was arrested on 29 August and charged with two counts of burglary on 25 and 29 August 2010. He was remanded into police custody until he was sentenced this week.

Another man is awaiting sentencing in the same case and will be sentenced in early January.

DC Richard Olley who investigated, said: "All officers involved were appalled by the way the offenders systematically stole from someone as vulnerable as this victim.

"Adams claimed to be the victim's friend and that he was looking after him, when in reality he was taking advantage for his own financial gain.

"We are pleased with the length of the sentence handed down and pleased that the judge decided to use the upper end of the scale.

"This sentencing ensures that an offender who uses such appalling tactics is locked away from these vulnerable victims."