A man who pretended to help an 89-year-old lady who had been mugged has been jailed for stealing her purse.
James Cameron, 43, of Caprington Gardens, Kilmarnock admitted stealing a purse containing money from the pensioner’s home on March 19.
Prosecuting, Stuart McMillan told Kilmarnock Sheriff Court the woman is a neighbour of Cameron’s.
Mr McMillan explained that the elderly lady had been involved in an incident where she was walking down the street and someone snatched her handbag.
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The bag was returned to her and the woman returned to her flat after confirming that everything was okay.
She entered the common close of her property and Cameron, who was hanging out the window, asked if she was okay.
Cameron went to her home and told her to have a seat. At this point the lady knew her handbag was on the floor.
She went to use the phone and, in doing so, turned away from him.
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Cameron quickly stood up and left and the lady noticed her purse was missing from her bag.
Police attended at Cameron’s flat but he was not there.
He returned to tell them: “I have the purse. I’ll show you where it is.”
Police searched a nearby bin, where they found the purse. All that was left inside was a 2p coin and some bank cards.
Cameron had taken £15 in cash from the purse.
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Defence solicitor Gordan Ghee explained Cameron was “absolutely disgusted with himself” and that he anticipates a jail sentence.
Sheriff Alastair Watson told Cameron: “There is not much that causes me to react like this. This is disgusting. To steal the property of an 89-year-old person and to pretend to assist after she got mugged that day really is disgusting. It’s as low as you can go.”
Sheriff Watson sentenced Cameron to eight months in prison.
Safer communities officer Craig Marshall said: “James Cameron has taken advantage of a vulnerable member of our community.
“The elderly lady was returning home after a visit to the shops when a man offered help. He took advantage of this trust and stole from her.
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“His victim will no doubt be affected by this experience for a long time but she has shown tremendous bravery in coming forward and assisting officers with this inquiry.
“Without her courage Cameron would not be behind bars today and I hope this result encourages the public to report any suspicious activity and to look out for those who are more vulnerable in their community.”
