Teenager stole Brierfield pensioner’s laptop as he slept

Drunken Jordan Connelly had been on the way home from a party with an accomplice when they went into the ground floor flat in a supported block in Pendle, after spotting an insecure window. The 66-year-old victim was asleep in bed and had been left shocked by the attack on his property, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Connelly, said to have had issues with drink, but to have now cut down on alcohol while on a 12-hour daily curfew, had admitted burglary. The defendant (18), of Colne Road, Brierfield, was sent to a young offenders’ institution.

The hearing was told the victim had been angry and upset his home had been violated and after the incident struggled to trust people.

Mr David Bentley, for Connelly, said his judgement had been blurred by the effects of alcohol.

The defendant did not force entry to the flat and had not deliberately targeted a vulnerable victim. The flats, owned by Housing Pendle, were mainly for the over 55s, but some residents were in their 20s.

Mr Bentley said the offence was opportunistic and impulsive rather then premeditated. There was no confrontation and the property was not ransacked. The barrister added: “It appears the laptop may have been seen through the window.”

Mr Bentley added Connelly wanted a job and to earn money. He added: “This has had a dramatic effect upon the defendant. He has a girlfriend, he has his own property, he wishes to gain employment and wishes to move on with his life.”

Sentencing, Judge Jonathan Gibson told the defendant: “I accept this was not the deliberate targeting of an old person, but equally this was a house burglary committed at night, while he was in bed.

“This is an offence which is just too serious to be dealt with in any other way than custody.”