Burglar smashed his way into home of disabled friend

BURGLAR Adam Clowes has been jailed for 32 months after targeting the home of a severely-disabled pensioner.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Jean Jacque Mathely, aged 65, has lost both his legs and is wheelchair-bound.

He knew Clowes but had not seen him for several years.

The pensioner, who lives in a one-bedroom bungalow, in Viscount Walk, Meir, went to bed at 10pm on December 30 and was woken at 3am by someone banging at his front door. He shouted out and the banging stopped.

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A neighbour, who also heard the banging, looked out and saw a man running off towards Normacot Grange.

He saw the man walk back and called the police. Clowes ran off as soon as police arrived.

Mr Mathely then heard his living room window being smashed and when he went into his living room he found a brick on the floor. He saw cables hanging down and realised his laptop, worth £250, had been taken.

The defendant's blood was recovered from the scene and shoe marks were left by the door.

Clowes was arrested on February 7. He answered no comment to all questions in his police interview.

But the defendant, aged 21, of Stockfield Road, Meir, later pleaded guilty to burglary.

Rachel Thompson, mitigating at yesterday's hearing, said Clowes saw the laptop when he walked past the bungalow.

He took his dog home and went back to commit the burglary.

"He was aware the injured party was vulnerable," said Miss Thompson.

She said Clowes was in employment for six years but went on a downward spiral when he lost his job. He has since cut down on his alcohol intake.

"It was a one-off incident when he was having a very difficult time," said Miss Thompson.

"He is extremely remorseful and will not be repeating it in the future."

Judge Paul Glenn, pictured, described the offence as "despicable".

He told Clowes: "Mr Mathely is severely disabled. He is 65, has no legs and he uses a wheelchair.

"You have known him for years and have visited his home in the past.

"You live around the corner. Your relationship had been close. You, even at one stage, had been on holiday together.

"You went to his home at 3am kicking at his door and scaring him.

"By the time he was able to get out of bed you had put his window through and stolen his virtually-new computer, probably something in his position, he relies on more than most.

"It was plainly premeditated. You knew he would not be able to physically apprehend you."