Islington thief who targeted pensioners jailed

The man stole a wallet, an over-60s travel pass and watches from “vulnerable” older people

Robert Anthony Lane, 32 of Highbury New Park, has been jailed for three years and six months after committing two burglaries in Islington.

Blackfriars Crown Court heard that on January 1, Lane returned to an address in Tollington Park where he had previously lived, and stole a wallet and the elderly occupier’s Freedom Pass.

Eight days later, he broke into the house of elderly couple in St Thomas’s Road in the middle of the night. The couple were woke up by a loud bang and the elderly man shouted out, causing Lane to flee the scene. He had smashed the couple’s living room window and had managed to make off with four watches.

Lane was later identified by his fingerprints that had been left at the scene.

He was arrested on February 2 for both burglaries.

Investigating officer, PC Sevilay Cetin said: “In both these incidents, vulnerable members of our society were victims of Lane’s criminal behaviour. Although they suffered no physical injuries, the psychological damage remains.

“I am glad that Lane has been given a lengthy custodial sentence and he is off the streets of Islington for the foreseeable future.”