Sunderland burglar left disabled victim traumatised after stealing his late wife's jewellery

A serial burglar who left a widower traumatised after stealing his late wife's jewellery during a devastating raid has been jailed for four years.
Amos PollockAmos Pollock
Amos Pollock

Amos Pollock broke into the victim's house in Sunderland, with another man, and stole a necklace, two watches, car keys and a Fiat Panda.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 39-year-old was found as a passenger in the back of the stolen car when it was pulled over by the police.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The victim, a disabled widower who had previously suffered a stroke, was so distressed when he discovered his home had been raided that he had to call an ambulance, was taken to hospital and monitored until later that evening.

Paul Cross, prosecuting, who read a victim impact statement to the court on behalf of the "heartbroken" man whose wife died in 2015, said: "I have become more frightened of silly little noises, to the point I have even slept bythe front door so I know no one has broken into the house.

"It is not financial value that has effected me, the emotional impact, that is so hard to deal with.

"I can not believe someone has done this, I have lost what little trust in people I had."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Cross added: "Mr Pollock has a number of previous convictions."

He told the court Pollock has previously been convicted of multiple burglaries, burglary of a dwelling and multiple criminal damage charges.

Pollock, of Rockingham Square, Red House, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to burglary and taking a conveyance without authority.

He also admitted two offences of fraud in relation to a stolen Lloyds credit card, which had been taken from another burglary, which police found in his pocket, that had been used to make over £100 in unauthorised payments.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Recorder Wheeler told Pollock: "You were one of two people who burgled a property.

"(The victim) has physical disabilities which means outside the front of his house lay a disabled ramp.

"Also outside the property was his mobility vehicle, a Fiat Panda, of some significant value.

"His property was ransacked and various items were taken, a Fiat Panda and watches and necklaces belonging to his wife. They were of significant sentimental and emotional value as they belonged to his late wife.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"You were arrested a short period of time after this burglary had taken place in the Fiat Panda itself and inside it was a card, from a bank account from another burglary committed at about the same time.

"(The victim) thought he was having a medical issue on the day he found out he was burgled and had to call emergency services. He had a stroke previously.

"You were a member of a team or gang, albeit a small one, you were not acting alone.

"You have a number of previous convictions, including dwelling burglaries.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The offence took place at night, took place when you were in drink.

"I take into account what little mitigation you actually have."

Peter Schofield, defending, told the court Pollock has "a real issue" and suffers from agoraphobia and depression.

Mr Schofield said: "He understands he has to answer for the course of offending. He would wish for it to be made clear he did not have any awareness of the age, or circumstance, of the subject of the burglaries.

"He had been out of trouble for nearly three years before this offending took place.

"He is very regretful for what happened here. He admits to me a full apology for what took place."