Elderly man got knock on the door what happened next was 'despicable'

Olivia Williams

25 June 2024 at 9:00 am·2-min read

A couple forced their way into an elderly man's home and stole from him.

Carl McAteer, 42, of Fleet Lane, in St Helens and Amy Brown, 38, of Greenwell Road, in Haydock knocked at the home of an elderly man in Haydock in November last year and after he answered the door, they forced entry into his property.

When inside the home, they stole his bank card, which was subsequently used at a nearby shop. They charged and both were jailed on Monday, June 24, at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to the offences.

Brown was jailed for three years and seven months and McAteer was jailed for three years and 11 months. They were also handed restraining orders against contacting the victim for a period of seven years.

Detective Inspector Kevin O’Rourke said: “To target an elderly man in this manner is truly despicable. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and I’m pleased that McAteer and Brown are both behind bars as a result of their actions.

“I hope this court result shows how seriously Merseyside Police takes such crimes and reassures residents that such criminals are now off our streets. As part of Operation Castle, we are committed to reducing burglaries, bringing offenders to justice, and ultimately sparing residents the anguish of being a victim of burglary and we will continue to work proactively with communities and our partners.

“If you are the victim of burglary, you can get in touch by calling 101 our DM our social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.

“You can also pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org”

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