Callous Thief Jailed for Preying on Elderly
A shameless burglar who broke into four homes and robbed a 90-year-old woman’s purse has been slammed behind bars for four years. Amanda Deary, 52, from Portsmouth, targeted vulnerable elderly residents living in sheltered accommodation.
Targeting Sheltered Housing and Streets
Portsmouth Crown Court heard how Deary struck twice at a sheltered housing complex in Southsea on February 15 and May 8 this year. On July 26, she snatched an elderly woman’s purse on Palmerston Road.
During her first break-in, a quick-thinking nurse scared Deary off. At a second flat, a resident’s scream sent her fleeing again—no items were stolen that day.
Stealing Cash and Essentials
Deary returned on May 8 and grabbed £400 in cash from one flat and even made off with toilet rolls from another. The brazen criminal showed no shame stealing essentials from vulnerable people’s homes.
Justice Served
Deary pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary and one robbery. Judge slammed her with a four-year jail sentence.
“Amanda Deary deliberately targeted vulnerable, elderly victims, and I hope this sentence provides them with some closure,” said PC 1 Pocock. “Finding someone in your home, or knowing someone has been there while you sleep, is extremely distressing. We take crimes like this seriously.”
Portsmouth’s toughest action sends a clear warning: tormenting the elderly will not be tolerated.
