Callous conman stole from 98-year-old while claiming to sort rat problem
A "callous" conman stole a 98-year-old woman's purse after claiming the council had sent him to deal with a rat problem at her home.
Paul Carman was lurking outside the victim's door in the west end of Newcastle when she got back from shopping in May and talked his way inside.
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Newcastle Crown Court heard it was only after he left that the pensioner noticed her purse, containing her bus pass, £20 cash and bank cards, was gone.
Carman was tracked down after police released an image of him using the woman's bank card in a shop, where he had bought booze.
Prosecutor Jennifer Coxon said the victim, who lived alone, was approached by Carman when she got back from the shops and added: "He said he had come on behalf of the council to deal with a rat problem.
"This wasn't true and therefore he entered as a trespasser.
"Once inside she proceeded to try to find her keys to the garage so he could look inside. He was inside for about 10-15 minutes before he left and told her he would return the following day to sort out the rat problem.
"She noticed her purse was missing and contacted the police."
The court heard as well as using the victim's bank card to buy alcohol, Carman also used it at Ladbrokes betting shop.
Carman, 49, of Mapledene Road, Newcastle, admitted burglary and two offences of fraud.
Mr Recorder Tom Moran sentenced him to three years and three months behind bars.
The recorder said: "She returned to find you loitering outside her house. No doubt you would have had a good look at her, you would have known the sort of person you were dealing with, namely a 98-year-old woman.
"You saw her vulnerability and the opportunity to commit these offences, knowing how vulnerable she was.
"It was, as you recognise now, an utterly callous and despicable thing to do."
Recorder Moran said the victim did not make an impact statement but added: "The court can apply a degree of common sense how this would affect a 98-year-old woman."
Robin Patton, defending, said there are "two sides" to Carman, who has never been to custody before but is now doing work and courses behind bars.
Mr Patton told the court Carman had a "need" for alcohol but added: "He can turn things around. He plans to move away and rehabilitate himself."