Burglar jailed for the robbery of a blind and deaf pensioner
A burglar who snuck into the Chandler's Ford home of a blind and deaf pensioner has been sentenced to 12 years in prison
Tommy O'Leary, from Winchester, hit the 70 year old over the head with a bottle in March this year.
O’Leary, 50, of Colson Close, Winchester, then robbed him of his belongings including a specialised laptop and hearing aid accessories.
The victim managed to alert a neighbour once O’Leary had left the property, who then called police.
Officers attended the scene a short time later and, based off of information provided by witnesses, they located O’Leary outside of a nearby address. The items that had been reported stolen were located inside the property and O’Leary was arrested.
He was later charged with robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
O’Leary pleaded guilty to these offences at Southampton Crown Court on April 28 and has now been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Police Staff Investigator Sarah Stewart, who led this investigation, said: “This was a savage and violent attack on a vulnerable, elderly man in his own home, where he should have been safe.
“We are pleased that O’Leary will now face the consequences of his actions and spend a considerable amount of time in prison for what he has done.
“The bravery of this man in supporting the investigation should be commended, and I also want to thank his neighbours and members of the public who came to his aid and assisted police with vital information early on which led to O’Leary’s swift arrest.
“I sincerely hope that the victim can now begin to move forward with his life knowing that O’Leary is safely behind bars.”