A DRUG addict burglar who preyed on elderly householders in Huddersfield has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.
One of Adrian Sadowski’s victims had suffered a brain haemorrhage 12 years ago and could only move about with a Zimmer frame, Bradford Crown Court was told.
The 66-year-old’s son was so concerned about her vulnerable condition that he installed hidden CCTV equipment in her home and last August Sadowski was caught on camera rummaging through her front room looking for cash or valuables to steal.
When the unemployed 23-year-old was questioned by police about his activities he claimed he was doing the elderly complainant a good deed by offering to make her a cup of tea and had been looking for her purse so he could buy some milk.
Sadowski, of Quarry Close, Brockholes, was released on bail, but within days he went with an accomplice into the home of a 74-year-old woman while she was watching television.
The Court heard yesterday that the duo managed to steal the woman’s handbag during the so-called “distraction burglary” and made off with more than £200 in cash, which she had been saving up to buy a wedding present.
Fortunately a neighbour took down the registration number of the pair’s car and Sadowski was later linked to the vehicle by photographic evidence.
Sadowski denied the burglary charges, but after a trial in which his 74-year-old victim gave evidence the jury found him guilty of both matters last month.
When the case was adjourned for sentence it was hoped that inquiries through Interpol would establish the details of Sadowski’s suspected previous convictions for robbery in Poland and Germany, but Recorder Robert Adams was told that the information would not be available for months.
Due to the uncertainty about the details, the judge said he would have to deal with Sadowski on the basis he was a man without previous convictions.
“In my view these are particularly mean offences,” the judge told Sadowski.
“In both cases the victims were vulnerable. One as a result of a disability and the other by virtue of her age.”
He said Sadowski had gone into the 66-year-old’s home on the pretence of helping her to make a cup of tea and he must have been well aware of her vulnerability as he stood in front of him with the aid of her Zimmer frame.
“People like her need genuine help from those prepared to offer it and they also need protecting from people who behave like you.”
The judge said Sadowski had been undeterred by his arrest over that burglary with intent offence and it was an aggravating feature that he had burgled the 74-year-old’s home while on bail.
“In my judgement there needs to be a deterrent sentence to protect vulnerable people from attack by people like you.”
After the hearing, Det Con Ian Curruthers, of Kirklees police, said: “I am pleased with the sentence handed down by the courts.
“Sadowski intentionally preyed upon vulnerable members of the community and targeted them for their belongings.
“He had no care or consideration for the distress it would cause his victims and he will now face a lengthy period behind bars.”
