An 87-year-old widow shares how a robbery in her home has shattered her life and confidence
Hull: An 87-year-old widow had a terrible experience when a thief tricked his way into her home. This guy, Stephen White, pretended to deliver a garden gnome from someone she knew. But instead of being helpful, he grabbed her purse and ran off.
Inside her purse were some really precious items, including a £10 note that belonged to her late husband. She had kept it since the day he passed away. Losing that, along with other sentimental things, has left her feeling devastated.
White, who’s 36 and has a long history of crime, knocked on her door while she was watching TV. She was confused but let him in, thinking he was there to help. He even asked her for £5 for the gnome, which she thought was fair.
But then, out of nowhere, he yanked her purse and pulled her to the ground. She fell hard, and he took off with her belongings. It was a shocking betrayal, especially for someone her age who should feel safe in her own home.
After the robbery, she felt like a fool and was really shaken up. She said it’s been months, and she still feels the impact. It’s hard for her to regain her confidence, and she often finds herself crying and feeling like a burden to others.
White was caught the same day, and it turned out he had planned the whole thing. He had a history of 93 previous offenses, including robbery. The judge noted how cruel it was to take such irreplaceable items from her.
In the end, White was sentenced to over five years in prison. It’s a sad situation all around, especially for the elderly woman who just wanted to feel safe in her own home.
