House raid drug addict spared prison

Steven Dooley had earlier been found sitting in the lounge of neighbouring house by the 95-year-old woman owner.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court, 40-year-old Dooley was given a chance to address his addiction and restore his mental health rather than face a prison sentence.

Judge Peter Barrie said that anyone going into the home of an elderly woman and making themselves at home on her sofa would expect to go to prison. He said the pensioner acted with "great calm and presence of mind" to deal with the defendant and got him to leave.

"But she was shaken and left insecure in her own home – which is not a nice position in which to leave an elderly lady," he said.

Reports showed Dooley had long-standing problems and had been distraught his efforts to overcome his addictions had been unsuccessful. Judge Barrie gave Dooley a drug rehabilitation requirement order for six months and placed him on supervision for a year.

Dooley, of Arden Avenue, Dawley, Telford, had pleaded guilty to burglary and attempted burglary at an earlier hearing. Mr David Bennett, prosecuting, said the incidents happened in the Apley area, a short distance from the Princess Royal Hospital, on September 9.

Off-duty police inspector Mark Riley spotted Dooley trying to open the patio doors at the back of his house. The officer, who did not recognise Dooley, went outside as the defendant was leaving through the gate, gave chase and was able to restrain him.

"The defendant had hospital tags on his wrist," said Mr Bennett. It was later discovered Dooley had earlier been in the house next door and had taken a phone and £40 in cash from the pensioner's handbag.

Mr Hunter Gray, for Dooley, said his client had been behaving in a bizarre and confused way having been treated for an overdose of his prescribed medication at hospital before he discharged himself.

He said his client had been appalled by his behaviour, especially having gone in the home of a vulnerable pensioner.