Hartlepool burglar left elderly women terrified of attack

Nathan Dunn crept into the house in Hartlepool and stole the keys the victim’s ‘lifeline’ car before it was driven off and crashed into a wall.

The 20-year-old, who was a passenger in the stolen car, was also caught on doorbell footage trying the handle of another victim’s home before turning his attention to three vehicles placed on the drive.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that the spate of offences all took place in the early hours of October 11 last year at properties on Wisbeach Close.

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He said the defendant didn’t manage to steal anything from the first address but was more successful when he targeted a neighbouring property and managed to gain entry.

“She (the victim) went to investigate and found the porch door was open and her car had been stolen from outside her property,” he added.

In a victim personal statement, the elderly woman said she was now scared for her safety in her own home as she feared she was going to be attacked.

Mr Dryden said the woman has a lung condition which left her reliant on her car to visit friends and go shopping.

As a result of the car being crashed it was written off by her insurance company, the court heard.

Nathan Dunn (Image: Cleveland Police)

Dunn, of Jones Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to burglary, attempted burglary, theft of motor vehicle, and three charges of motor vehicle interference relating to a Vauxhall Corsa, Citroen C4 and Peugeot.

Tom Bennett, mitigating, said his client had Christmas on remand for the offences and urged the judge to impose a suspended sentence.

He added: “He did not know of her circumstances and hearing about it, it is now something he deeply regrets.”

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Recorder Mark McKone KC told Dunn that anybody who breaks into an elderly person’s home during the early hours of the morning should expect to be locked up.

He said: “Her victim impact statement says she is now scared for her safety as an elderly lady who lives alone and not knowing whether she was going to be attacked.

“Just imagine the fear caused to an elderly woman having somebody in her house in the middle of the night when she lives alone. You have reduced the quality of her life in the later stages of it.”

Dunn was sent to a young offenders’ institute for a total of 27 months.