7:00am Wednesday 4th November 2009
A COUNTRY house was burgled twice by the same man who took antique items and sold them to specialist shops, a court heard.
Alec Bowen was given a 12-month jail sentence suspended for a year and ordered to pay £200 compensation for the distress caused to his victim David Penny.
Bowen, aged 54, of Upton Road, Newport, Gwent, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to two charges of burglary, fraudulently selling stolen items and possession of ammunition without a certificate.
He broke into the house at Willersley, near Hay-on-Wye, on March 20 and April 15 when the 68-year-old occupant was out, said Kerry Moreton, prosecuting.
On the first raid, he took an antique watch, two decorative musket powder holders, a first world war flying helmet and goggles, and a box containing Mr Penny's late brother's military paperwork.
In the second burglary, he stole an antique muzzle-loaded musket and 57 rounds of .22 cartridges.
Miss Moreton said neighbours spotted Bowen after the second raid but decided not to challenge him when they saw he was carrying a gun and did not realise it was the musket.
Bowen sold some of his loot to the Olde Curiosity Shoppe in Hay-on-Wye and items to the Brecon Antiques Centre. He received a total of £80.
Laurence Jones, defending, said Bowen had health problems and was also carer for his wife, who suffered from depression and anxiety.
He had previous convictions for dishonesty but had not offended for nine years.
Judge Patrick Thomas QC said Bowen had upset an elderly man by breaking into his house and stealing items of great emotional value.
These included relics of his brother, father, mother and great aunt. His actions had been motivated by greed.
If Bowen had contested the case and been convicted, he would have been sent to prison.
The judge said he was awarding compensation for the shock and unhappiness which had been caused to Mr Penny.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.herefordtimes.com