A THIEF who helped himself to cash from a pensioner’s wallet took the same amount as the Labour government has in the winter fuel allowance, a court heard.

Will Pearson, 23, stole £350 from a generous elderly man in Millom who had invited him into his home for a cup of tea and gifted him £60 to stay in a nearby hostel.

Pearson admitted theft from dwelling when he appeared before Workington Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Pamela Fee said the 73-year-old victim had reported an incident of theft from his home address on October 18.

Just after midnight, the victim had been sat downstairs in his front lounge when Pearson had appeared at the window and knocked.

The victim, who told police he used to work with homeless people, said Pearson looked ‘distressed’. The defendant told the victim that his family had ‘kicked him out’. He said he didn’t have any friends to stay with.

The victim gave him £20 to stay at a nearby hostel. Pearson was ‘very appreciative’ and left. He then returned and said he would need £60. The victim gave him another £40.

At about 5am, he heard a knock on the window again. It was Pearson. He told the victim he had been kicked out of the hostel.

The victim invited him in and made him a cup of tea. He offered the defendant a biscuit, but he declined.

After a few sips of tea, Pearson changed his mind and said he would have a biscuit. The victim went to get him one. When he returned, Pearson went outside to smoke and the victim noticed there were some notes hanging out of his wallet.

He went outside and saw Pearson had gone. Money was missing from the victim’s wallet. He went out looking for Pearson in his car.

The victim was ‘concerned’ about phoning the police because he didn’t want Pearson to have a criminal record.

He contacted Pearson’s family, who were known to him. A family member asked if he had taken anything and upon being told that he had, she said she ‘wasn’t surprised’.

In a victim personal statement, the pensioner said he felt ‘angry’ and ‘vulnerable’ following the incident. He said: “This is Millom. We never lock our doors but I will now.”

Pearson was interviewed by police but gave ‘no comment’ and then became abusive.

The court heard that £160 had been put back through the victim’s door but £350 had gone missing.

Ms Fee told the court: “This is a breach of trust. He has been invited into the house and been provided with hospitality. This is how he has been repaid for his kindness.”

John Cooper, defending, said: “It’s a guilty plea at the first opportunity. Mr Pearson accepts he has got a drug problem. That’s what led to this. It’s not the first time he has taken money that has been offered or been around.

“The drug problem is a massive issue for him. He wants to get some help with that. This will be a chance to put his right foot forward.

“As far as the money is concerned, some phone calls were made to his family members after this incident. They have contacted him, quite furious. He’s put what money was left through the door.

“73 isn’t really that old. Anyone over 65 is classed as elderly, as far as the court is concerned.

“£350 is a significant amount to some people. I’m not sure what the situation is for this gentleman.

“It’s exactly the same amount the Labour government has taken off pensioners in the winter fuel allowance.”

Passing sentence, Christine Williams, chair of the magistrates’ panel said there had been a breach of trust, some planning and ‘significant harm’ to the victim.

Pearson, of Rottington Road, Millom, was given a 12-month community order with a six-month drug requirement and five rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £190 in compensation to the victim. He must also pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.