By Former Grimsby woman burgled home after owners funeral
A woman who attended the funeral of a 65-year-old neighbour burgled his home the next day in a “disgusting” and “heartbreaking” robbery.
Leanne Hunter stole treasured and sentimental items from the home that were of no use, which also included £200 cash in a wallet.
She was aware the man had died and his house was empty after attending his funeral , reportedly seeing members of his family wearing Hull KR shirts in tribute to the man.
Hull Crown Court heard that she took Mr Butler’s wife’s death certificate and a marriage certificate, admitting to the burglary on March 4th.
Prosecuting, Hannah Turner said that Mr Butler passed two weeks prior and the family were sorting out his property, however items were still in the premises.
The woman reportedly entered through the back door and stole the items, including the cash despite seeing the funeral procession claiming she “did not put two and two together.”
It was clear she targeted the premises knowing that Mr Butler had died.
“It’s certain that she would have known that the deceased had passed away and the property was empty.
“Beds in two bedrooms were flipped over as though she was looking for stuff.
A neighbour allegedly witnessed the woman entering the house via CCTV.
The woman has had convictions for eight previous offences between 2007 and 2014, with an 18 month sentence in a young offenders institution for burglary in September 2014.
Judge John Thackray QC told Hunter: “You asserted that, although you saw the funeral procession, you didn’t realise that the occupier of the house that you burgled was recently deceased. I do not accept that. It’s the inevitable inference that you knew very well that the occupier had recently died and you targeted it for that very reason.
“You deliberately targeted the premises of a person you knew had recently died. All offences of dwelling house burglary are serious but this is a particularly mean offence.”
Hunter was jailed for two years and four months.
