Darwen vulnerable woman was target (From This Is Lancashire)

Darwen vulnerable woman was target

8:00pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

A thief targeted a vulnerable pensioner, entering her house and stealing her handbag.

Blackburn magistrates heard the 80-year-old victim suffered from Alzheimer’s and there was a confrontation between her and the thief, Anthony Michael Gardiner.

The court was told Gardiner had a track record of targeting vulnerable victims.

Gardiner, 49, of Starkie Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to burglary at an address in Darwen.

He was committed in custody to Preston Crown Court for sentence.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Gardiner took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability to enter her house.

There was a confrontation but he left with her handbag containing her purse and £100 in cash.

Miss Allan added: “Fortunately he was caught on CCTV and officers were able to recognise him because he has a record for similar offences involving vulnerable victims.”