Man jailed for burglary and robbing pensioner in Peterborough

Gary Aitkins, 38, of Amersham Road, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, robbed a 69-year-old man at an address in Anchor Court, Paston, on November 3 last year and burgled an address in Newton Court, Paston, the following day.

The court heard he entered the block of flats in Anchor Court at about 10pm and took a jewellery box from a bedroom.

Noticing the bedroom light was unexpectedly on, the victim made his way to the room and saw Atkins leaving with the box under his coat.

He challenged him but Atkins punched him in the face and the pair grappled on the floor. Atkins hit him in the face with the heavy jewellery box, causing cuts to the man’s upper nose and a deep cut to the cheek.

Atkins fled, discarding the jewellery box in the hallway.

The following day, at about 1.30am, Atkins entered a residential care home in Newton Court. He stole two mobile phones and a purse containing a small sum of money. A member of staff noticed a partially drunk bottle of rum was left at the scene. Analysis showed Atkins’ DNA was on the bottle.

The phones were later recovered nearby but the purse was not found.

Atkins pleaded guilty to robbery and burglary at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on November 23. On Friday (January 15), he was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay £900 court costs and a victim surcharge of £120.

Two further vehicle-related offences were also taken into consideration.

Detective Constable Sarah Phillips said: “Atkins preyed on vulnerable targets and showed no hesitation in attacking a pensioner.

“The sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions and should act as a warning that robbery and burglary will not be tolerated.”