Couple preyed on 92-year-old Leeds woman

Emily Weir and Gavin Woodhead were arrested after they were overheard discussing how they had “blagged an old lady”.

Leeds Crown Court heard Weir knocked on the door of the victim’s home in Wesley Street, Beeston, wearing her pyjamas.

Weir told the victim she had been locked out of her house and asked to be allowed in so she could call her mother.

Weir was allowed in and Woodhead used two boys who were playing outside to create a “distraction” to get the victim’s attention.

Weir then left but returned a short time later to say she was still locked out and asked for a glass of water. The victim then gave Weir £10 for a taxi. After Weir had gone she noticed that her pension book was missing.

The pair were arrested later the same day, May 24 this year, after police were contacted by someone who heard the pair talking about the incident. Weir, 23, of Fourth Avenue, Rothwell, and Woodhead, 29, of Queenshill Drive, Moortown, pleaded guilty to burglary.

The court heard the pair carried out the offence to fund their addictions to heroin. Woodhead has a previous convictions for burglary. He was jailed for four years.

Weir was given a two year prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work.

Michael Miller, for Weir, said she had no previous convictions and was no longer in a relationship. Judge James Spencer, QC, told Woodhead: “It is quite clear to me that you have initiated this particular crime and targeted this woman, who was 92 and vulnerable, and you recruited your girlfriend to trick your way in to the house.”