Burglar steals charity money (From Penarth Times)

Burglar steals charity money

A PENARTH charity was targeted twice by a local burglar who stole among other things, a collection box.

Paul Langley, 30, of Paget Street, Penarth, was jailed for 27 months at Cardiff Crown Court.

The judge in the case, Michael Burr, said that Langley's behaviour was "disgraceful". Langley admitted stealing a payphone from Holme Tower hospice in Penarth and burgling a pet shop in the town.

He also admitted burgling another house when the owner was working upstairs on his computer.

Prosecutor Elizabeth Pearson told Cardiff Crown Court: "The man confronted him on the stairs after hearing the front door creak and he ran away.

"That same day - September 14 - a staff nurse at the Marie Curie hospice noticed the payphone missing from the reception and police caught him carrying it away.

"He racially abused the woman officer who arrested him and was later bailed to appear in court.

"A month later while he was making his third trip. Buckets of flowers, a selection of dog leads and collars, some potted plants and the charity box had been taken."

Langley has 32 previous convictions to his name.

His barrister Tom Crowther said: "He is an alcoholic, and when he drinks, he behaves badly.

"He is ashamed that he stole from the cancer charity.

"He has children and a father who is gravely ill and will now be separated from them because of his drinking."

When Judge Michael Burr jailed him he told Langley: "People who act like you did are not going to get much sympathy from the court."

Marie Curie hospice did not want to make a comment because staff felt that the matter had been dealt with.