Hull: Man sentenced to 11 years following run of burglaries

A Scunthorpe man has been jailed for 11 years after admitting to robbing and conning elderly victims in Hull.

Christopher Holdstock, 44, of Rochester Close, pleaded guilty to assault, robbery and four burglaries, which happened in February and March this year.

A 66-year-old man was left needing hospital treatment after Holdstock attacked him in Jameson Street on Monday, 17 February, kicking and punching him before stealing his wallet -which contained just £50.

Holdstock also admitted four counts of burglary, conning his elderly victims by knocking on their doors, asking them to change money into smaller denominations and fleeing as soon as they handed over the cash.

One of the burglaries happened on Monday, 24 February, in Garland Close – but Holdstock was spotted by one of the victim’s sons and chased to Greenwich Avenue.

However, when he challenged Holdstock about what had happened he was assaulted, leaving him with injuries to his face.

The remaining burglaries were committed on Wednesday, 19 February on Cranswick Grove; Tuesday, 25 February on St George’s Road and Sunday, 8 March on Victor Street.

Detective Constable Tony Forbes, the lead investigator on these cases, said: “It is clear that Holdstock deliberately targeted people who are more vulnerable and preyed on their good nature.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe as they enjoy a day out or whilst in their home, and I hope that the significant sentence given to Holdstock for these offences helps to make the victims feel safer.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of these types of crimes, such as the distraction burglaries, to get in touch with us.

“We do take these crimes very seriously, and if someone is proven guilty of these types of offences, they can be taken off our streets, unable to cause harm to further people, for a considerable amount of time.

“Call 101, or confidential service Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have been a victim or have witnessed an offence of this nature taking place. Always call 999 in an emergency.”