A BURGLAR who tricked a man in his 80s so he could take his wallet has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Darryl Smith, of Berecroft in Harlow, claimed he had been assaulted when he knocked on his victim’s front door in September 2023.

The 86-year-old let him into the property to use the bathroom and change his clothes, but while inside Smith took his wallet and bank cards before leaving.

Smith, 37, used the cards to buy about £120 of cigarettes, alcohol and scratchcards before he was arrested three days later.

CCTV footage from the businesses he visited, as well as fingerprints from his victim’s home, led officers to secure a charge of burglary and two counts of fraud on 14 September 2023. He was also charged with the possession of a Class B drug.

On Friday 12 January 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to the burglary charge, having previously pleaded guilty to the other three charges. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Detective Inspector Karen Knibbs said: “The custodial sentence for this crime reflects the severe impact burglary can have on victims, no matter the value of the items taken or money spent.

“Smith took advantage of the kind nature of his victim, lying to him to gain entry to his house and burgle him.

“The hard work of our team meant Smith had no choice but to plead guilty to all the charges against him, sparing his victim the ordeal of a trial.”