A Wimborne man has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for a distraction burglary in Strouden Park.
On Thursday 16 January 2014 John William Turner, 49, was convicted and sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court for the offence of burglary at premises on Mount Pleasant Drive.
The court heard evidence that Turner attended the property and demanded money from a woman in her eighties for fictitious gardening work.A vigilant bystander witnessed the event and took the registration number of a nearby van which was linked to the defendant.
Detective Inspector Andrew Dilworth, of Dorset Police’s Priority Crime Team, said: “This was a despicable crime whereby Turner targeted an elderly victim and sought to distract and steal from her.
“A good witness account helped to identify him – I hope that the knowledge that this offender is now behind bars, will bring some comfort and reassurance to the victim.
“The sentence reflects the serious way in which such offences are viewed by the courts.
“It will always be a priority for Dorset Police to investigate and detect these offences and bring those responsible for them to justice.”
The CPS prosecutor in the case was Megan Topliss.
