This despicable thief left a pensioner feeling 'violated' after burgling her in an abuse of trust

Despicable thief Michael Daley left a pensioner feeling “violated” after sneaking into her home and stealing from her in a disgraceful abuse of trust.

Daley took advantage of the fact he had family members living at the same assisted living complex as the victim.

A court heard he let himself into the flat in Bedlington, Northumberland, and stole £200 from her handbag to pay off drug debts.

The victim, who lives with her husband, was left feeling vulnerable and insecure and has since installed a security camera for peace of mind.

Now Daley, 22, who admitted burglary, has been given a suspended prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court.

Recorder Jonathan Sandiford told him: “This was a sneak-in burglary at a home that, as you well knew, was assisted living for older people, designed to allow them to live independently as far as possible and to give them a degree of security.