A "heartless" burglar who befriended a vulnerable 87-year-old woman suffering from dementia before stealing her bank card has been jailed. Faisal Rafiq visited the woman's address in Bingham on July 25, 2022 and said he would take her out for a drink.
The 34-year-old was left alone as she locked the windows in her front room and went to get her coat on before they both left to go to the pub. When they arrived Rafiq was told he was barred before walking out of the establishment and leaving the woman alone.
Around an hour-an-a-half later she left the pub and walked home. When she got back she noticed items were missing and her living room window was open.
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Rafiq was caught on CCTV cameras coming back to the victim’s address after leaving the pub before entering through the window. After stealing her bank card he used it to make contactless payments at a local store.
Following enquiries police arrested Rafiq on August 1 and he was subsequently charged and remanded. He went on to plead guilty to one count of burglary and two counts of fraud by false representation.
He was also found to have committed a further offence during the operational period of a suspended sentence order imposed in November 2021. Rafiq, of Lea Court, Bingham, was jailed for a total of nine months and 10 weeks when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, August 2).
Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Rafiq deliberately preyed upon this vulnerable elderly woman after befriending her.
“He had no regard whatsoever for the victim and the impact his heartless actions would have upon her.
“I’m pleased Rafiq has been locked up for his selfish crimes and I’d also like to praise the cracking work of the detectives, police officers and teams involved in the investigation which helped to bring him before the court to answer for his cruel behaviour.
“I hope this result and our work in this case demonstrates how seriously Nottinghamshire Police treats these types of offences and will continue to do everything in its power to protect the vulnerable from harm and seek justice for victims.”
He was also ordered to pay £51.26 compensation.
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