Robber attacked Leeds pensioner in his own home

A robber who attacked an elderly pensioner in his own home before stealing his mobile phone has been locked up for two years.
Joao Dos Santos.Joao Dos Santos.
Joao Dos Santos.

Joao Dos Santos targeted the victim as he was being escorted back to his home in Holbeck after spending the evening at his friend’s home nearby.

The pensioner was walking with his friend when they were approached by Dos Santos.

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Leeds Crown Court heard Dos Santos accused the victim’s friend of trying to take money from the pension.

The court heard the victim initially thought Dos Santos was genuinely concerned for his welfare and walked back towards his home with the two men.

Dos Santos and the victim’s friend left when the pensioner got home but the attacker returned alone and knocked on the door.

The victim told a hearing that the next thing he could remember was having a headache and looking for his phone to call the police.

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Dos Santos had taken the phone as well as the victim’s door key, which he used to lock him inside.

The victim managed to get out through another door and walked to his friend’s house to raise the alarm.

An ambulance was called but he did not need hospital treatment.

Dos Santos pleaded guilty to robbery.

He has previous convictions for theft.

Andrew Foley, mitigating, said Dos Santos, a married father of three, committed the offence as he had a drink problem and wanted to buy more alcohol.

Recorder Nicholas Barker said: “You knew he was vulnerable and elderly and had no one to support and assist him. No doubt this was a terrifying experience.”

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