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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Philip Dewey

Thieves committed 'disgusting' burglary against woman with amputated leg

A vulnerable wheelchair user with an amputated leg was the victim of a "disgusting" burglary where thieves took cash and bank cards.

David Bishop, 39, and Matthew Coles, 38, targeted their victim's property in Cardiff on May 10 last year.

The pair were caught on CCTV entering her room on several occasions before stealing £45 and bank cards which they used to buy cigarettes and alcohol.

Read more: Go here to read all the latest stories from the courts in Wales

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard Bishop acted as a look out while Coles carried out the theft of the victim's room at the Ty Tresillian Hostel, Butetown.

After carrying out the thefts the defendants made their way to the city centre where they made a number of purchases at a Spar store.

Prosecutor Andrew Davies described the victim as "vulnerable" and said she was frequently targeted by others living in the hostel and frequently robbed. He added: "Sadly it appears it's something she's had to get used to."

Bishop, of Flint Street, Maindy, was found guilty of burglary at trial but Coles, of Tresillian Way, Butetown, pleaded guilty to burglary and fraud by false representation. Both had numerous previous convictions including burglary and theft.

Ieuan Rees, for Bishop, said his client was now clean of drugs and will be provided with a more stable domestic life upon his release from prison.

Marian Lewis, for Coles, said her client would have been dealt with had his co-defendant not sought a trial. She said the defendant was homeless and had a serious cocaine addiction at the time of the offence.

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Sentencing the pair Recorder IWL Jones said: "Because of all the circumstances in this case it's a serious offence and it can be described as a disgusting offence as you were targeting a highly vulnerable woman.

"She had medical difficulties, communication difficulties, she had mobility difficulties and was using a wheelchair after her left leg had been amputated."

Bishop was sentenced to three years imprisonment and Coles was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

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