Pair jailed after burglary while woman was dying upstairs
Two people have been jailed after stealing from a man while his wife was dying upstairs in their home in Brierfield
Last updated 9th Mar 2021
Two people have been jailed after stealing from a man while his wife was dying upstairs in their home in Walter Street, Brierfield.
The 80-year-old man found himself the victim of a distraction burglary after trying to find help for his seriously ill wife in the early hours of the morning on October 16th last year.
After no luck trying his neighbours, he was followed into his home by defendants Kelly Cassidy and Steven Morris.
The pair told the victim they would call an ambulance, but instead, stole a purse and mobile phone while he went back upstairs to care for his wife who died later that day.
Following enquiries and an appeal to the public, detectives arrested Cassidy and Morris two days later at an address in Nelson.
DS Phil McGauley, of East CID, said:
“This was a shocking and despicable crime committed against elderly victims at a time when they were at their most vulnerable and in need of urgent help.
"Rather than provide that help, Morris and Cassidy took it upon themselves to commit this callous burglary for their own selfish gains.
"I have been investigating burglaries for many years and cannot comprehend how someone can be so cruel to commit an offence like this.
“My thoughts remain with the victim of this offence and his family who have acted with great bravery and dignity throughout this investigation.
“I am also very grateful to all those who shared their CCTV with us and those who had the fortitude to come forward with information in relation to this offence and the identities of those who committed this callous crime.
“I want to reassure the public across East Lancashire that Lancashire Police will not leave any stone unturned to find people who commit burglary. My team and I will do all that we can to ensure we find the offenders and bring them to justice.”
Morris, 45, of Southfield Street, Nelson, was sentenced yesterday (March 8, 2021) to four years and three months custody, while Cassidy, 42, Southfield Street, Nelson, was jailed for two and a half years.