He then used her bank card in two shops
A heartless thief stole the handbag of a manager at the care home where his own grandmother was being looked after – before going on a mean-minded spending spree with the woman’s bank card just minutes later. Serial criminal Daniel Whitelam had been given a “golden opportunity” only a few weeks earlier by being spared prison at Hull Crown Court for a burglary.
Whitelam, 40, of 34th Avenue, north Hull, but recently in custody on remand, admitted burglary and two offences of fraud on July 20. He also admitted breaching a 16-month suspended prison sentence imposed as recently as June 27 for burglary.
Ashley Lambert-Jefferson, prosecuting, said that Whitelam visited his grandmother at a Hull care home but, as he left, he went into a staff room and took a black handbag belonging to a senior manager. He put it into a carrier bag and left at 11am.
At 11.07am, he went into a Premier Store in Southcoates Lane and used the woman’s bank card to buy goods valued at £44.98. At 11.10am, he went to a petrol station, also in Southcoates Lane, and spent £80.78 on items including vodka and scratch cards.
The manager returned to the staff room and she noticed that the handbag had gone. She looked at CCTV pictures and spoke to the grandmother, who told her: “I can’t believe he has stolen your bag.” Whitelam had earlier asked his grandmother for money but she did not give him any. He was arrested on July 26.
He made no comment to all questions during police interview. He had convictions for 26 previous offences, including theft.
Oliver Shipley, mitigating, said that, when Whitelam was released from prison after being given the suspended sentence, it was at night and he was not able to get any of his prescriptions. “He slept rough for the weekend,” said Mr Shipley.
“He went back to old habits. He feels so guilty for his actions. It was more opportunist than planned.
“He recognises the impact that it will have had on his grandmother. He is deeply ashamed of himself.” The manager was working in a job to help his grandmother.
Judge John Thackray KC said that, despite Whitelam’s record, he had been given a “golden opportunity” on June 27 by being given a suspended sentence. “I made it very clear what would happen if you committed any further offences within the two-year period,” said Judge Thackray.
In less than a month, Whitelam was stealing from a member of staff who was there at the care home to help his grandmother. “It must have been upsetting for your grandmother,” said Judge Thackray.
The 16-month suspended sentence was activated in full, with a consecutive eight months for the latest offences, making a total of two years. “Your risk cannot be managed in the community and you cannot be rehabilitated,” said Judge Thackray.
“You have proved that. Only appropriate punishment can be achieved by way of an immediate custodial sentence.”
At the previous hearing on June 27, when Whitelam was given the suspended sentence, James O’Connor, prosecuting, said that police received an anonymous call at 2.19am on March 28 that a house in 34th Avenue was being burgled and that a number of household items were being removed. Two men ran into another house in the same street.
Police seized a number of items. Damage estimated at £960 was caused to windows.
Connor Stuart, mitigating, told the earlier hearing that Whitelam had shown genuine remorse for his actions and he had offered to make reparations to the company that owned the house. “He has insight into his offending,” said Mr Stuart. Whitelam claimed, at the time, to have kicked his drug rehabilitation and he had, at the time of the June 27 hearing, been in custody since May.