Elderly man stole from woman, 101

An elderly man has pleaded guilty to a series of thefts from his 101-year-old neighbour at a sheltered housing scheme after he was caught on hidden cameras.
Daniel Gladstone, 78, was filmed climbing through a window at Mabel Evans' flat in Hythe, Hampshire. The hidden cameras were installed after money went missing from her home.

Southampton Crown Court heard Gladstone took about £240 during the burglaries. He received a 34-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months.



The court heard how Gladstone was filmed climbing through the window and then twice entering though Ms Evans' front door.

Judge Jeremy Burford QC said Gladstone had avoided a jail term due to his age and ill-health. He was also banned from entering Ms Evans' property for 12 months.

The court heard one of the burglaries took place while Mrs Evans was at home but the 101-year-old resident did not notice him as she was wearing headphones at the time.

You can see a video showing the scurrilous Mr Gladstone in action here.