In a shocking incident at a local barber shop, a man committed a “mean and sly” theft, targeting a vulnerable pensioner with dementia. The brazen act saw Richard Ellis, freshly out on licence, pocketing the elderly man’s wallet which held £70, bank cards, and a bus pass. The incident left the pensioner so distraught that his family had to come and pick him up.
Caught on CCTV, Ellis was spotted covering the wallet with his jacket before swiftly making off with it. Despite appeals on social media from the barbershop, Ellis didn’t come forward, leading to his arrest a few weeks later.
Appearing in Swansea Crown Court, Ellis, who has a long criminal record with 33 prior convictions, expressed through his barrister that the theft was a “moment of foolishness and madness.” The barrister confessed that Ellis “simply cannot recall” what happened to the wallet, but later added that Ellis took the cash and discarded it behind the shop.
Despite his previous offences, Ellis has reportedly been making strides towards rehabilitation with stable housing and a job as a chef. The judge slammed the crime as part of a “dishonest streak” but acknowledged Ellis’s progress since returning to the community. As a result, Ellis received a suspended sentence of 20 weeks and must complete a rehabilitation course, community service, and pay £70 in compensation to his victim.
The judge’s parting advice? “Keep your hands to yourself next time you visit the barber’s.” Let this be a reminder of the impact of crime on our community and the importance of accountability.