'Mean' robber attacked 92-year-old blind man in his own home and smashed sentimental ornaments as he was self-isolating

Rebecca Rogers was jailed for more than five years over the sickening attack on the vulnerable pensioner in his home in Wakefield.

The 29-year-old also smashed highly sentimental ornaments which had belonged to the victim's late wife.

Leeds Crown Court heard Rogers targeted the widower at his home in Horbury on April 10 this year.

Paul Nicholson, prosecuting, said the victim was registered blind and was self-isolating at the time of the attack due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The victim answered a knock at the door at 11am and saw Rogers standing there.

Mr Nicholson said: "He said she could not come in because he was self isolating.

"The defendant said 'well I'm coming in' and pushed him out of the way into the conservatory."

Rogers then went into the kitchen and took a £10 note from under a glass ashtray.

Mr Nicholson said the victim had left the money there to give to his carer so should could buy some flowers as a thank you for the help she had given him during lockdown.

The pensioner tried to grab the money back from Rogers but she pulled her hand away.

Rogers then went to a writing desk and removed a box which contained £100 in cash.

She threw the box down and then took £30 from the victim's wallet.

Mr Nicholson said Rogers smashed ornamental plates which had belonged to the victim's late wife.

After the ordeal, the victim was asked by police if the plates were valuable.

He replied: "Not to anyone else but they were to me."

Rogers also pushed the victim and he fell and struck his head.

Neighbours were alerted when they heard a "massive crash" coming from the property and heard Rogers' voice.

Police were contacted and saw Rogers nearby.

She refused to stop and ran off.

Police chased her down an alleyway where she threw away a plastic carrier bag she had been holding.

An officer manged to catch the defendant and handcuffed her in the street.

Rogers, of Southwell Street, Barnsley, pleaded guilty to robbery.

She has a previous conviction for attempted robbery.

James Littlehales, mitigating, said Rogers committed the offence to fund her addiction to drugs.

Mr Littlehales said his client had targeted the property with the intention of stealing from him rather than carrying out a robbery.

He added: "There is a genuine expression of regret and remorse."

Rogers was jailed for five years and seven months.

Judge Neil Clark said: "This is a particularly mean and unpleasant offence.

"Your victim was elderly and, due to Covid, was in isolation.

"By going in you showed no regard for his health and safety.

"You endangered his health due to the risk of this virus."