TEENAGER LOCKED UP FOR SIX YEARS FOR TERRORISING AND ROBBING ELDERLY VICTIMS
A teenager, who was part of a gang of callous robbers who terrorised vulnerable and elderly people in their homes, has been sent to a young offender institution for six years nine months.Leeds Crown Court heard victims included two 89-year-old women, one in Batley the other in Gomersal, both now so scared they jump at every noise they hear.
Another target was an 84-year-old man, also living in Batley, who has not been able to walk since he was pushed into a coffee table by one of his intruders.
Sentencing Larry McCann today (Tuesday) Judge Christopher Batty said: “The older generation of this country deserve respect.
They have worked hard throughout their lives to accumulate money and property they hope to enjoy during their later years of life or alternatively pass on to their loved ones.” Ian Mullarkey prosecuting said on May 1, one of the 89-year-old victims was at home in Batley with her son who suffers from multiple sclerosis.
When he answered the door four raiders barged their way in knocking him to the floor.
He managed to crawl to the living room where one of the intruders put his hand over his face to prevent him speaking.
His mother was also knocked into and went to the floor landing face down causing a lens to fall from her glasses which cut her nose.
Meanwhile two of the others ransacked the bedrooms and used a pillowcase to carry away £60 cash, watches and a jewellery box.
Another victim, an 84-year-old man living in Batley, was attacked after being approached about gardening work.
A short time later, four males armed with sticks broke a conservatory window and pushed the man into a table.
Some of the offenders kept watch while others searched the home and stole £3,000.
An 80-year-old man trying to call the police when an intruder climbed through a rear window was struck repeatedly with a coffee percolator.
He was threatened for 15 minutes while others stole jewelry.
On May 4, an 89-year-old woman in Gomersal was pushed to the floor and then kept sitting in a chair while her home was searched.
McCann, 18, of St Mary’s Caravan Park in Laisterdyke, Bradford admitted five robberies.
Earlier this month, three juveniles and McCann's brother Gerald, 23, received prison sentences ranging from eight years four months to longer terms.
Angus McDonald, representing Larry McCann, expressed that he had a supportive family in the travelling community, with his mother having written about their shame and disappointment at his behaviour.
