Addict jailed for burgling a string of care homes

Derek Bilsby, 43, struck at Arden House, Ardath House, Eridge House, Sackville Court and St Nectans in a nine-month crime spree.

Lewes Crown Court heard how he also stole 55 in cash after distracting a volunteer at St Michael's Hospice in Upper Maze Hill in St Leonards.

The father-of-one was finally caught in September following a burglary at Arden House in Cantelupe Road.

Bilsby, of Heron Close, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft and asked for 18 further offences to be taken into consideration.

Prosecutor Andrew Holt told the court Bilsby was eventually arrested on September 8.

He said: "Mr Connellan, an elderly man, was sitting in his room at Arden House which is a residential home with 36 self-contained rooms.

"His attention was drawn to someone he didn't know who put his head around the door and said, 'Oh, I'm in the wrong room'.

"Mr Connellan asked the person who he was looking for but there was no reply. The male just walked down the corridor and was seen trying other doors.

"Mr Connellan was suspicious and followed him down the corridor, down some stairs and eventually bumped into a member of staff - Natalie Batkin.

"She approached the defendant who said he was a bit confused and said he was looking for St Nectans.

"She directed him across the road and he went to that home. He was seen to re-appear from there a few minutes later and was carrying a clear plastic bag.

"It seemed to contain clothing and he went out of sight into Sea Road towards the railway station.

"A Mr Felstead got into his car and saw the man in a telephone box outside the main entrance to the home.

"Having seen that he then turned into Cantelupe Road and advised police who then arrived."

The court heard that Bilsby was found in possession of 7.84 in change, jewellery, a needle, two anoraks and a tool used for slipping locks.

He told police he found the jewellery in the phone box and denied being in Cantelupe Road.

The court heard how he also stole a watch from Christine Robson at the Buenos Aires Hotel in Albany Road a month earlier.

The court was also told that he has been jailed for burglary three times since his first conviction for the offence in 1982.

Defending, John Mannion told the court Bilsby started taking drugs when he was 15 and heroin when he was 19.

"The offences, past and present, were committed to fund his drug habit. For about four years he kept his hands clean at a time when he was happy and settled.

"There was a tragedy in 2001 while he was serving a prison sentence when his girlfriend died very suddenly in her early 20s.

"They had a son together and when he was released he formed a relationship with his girlfriend's mother.

"He got himself a job and everything was going well but unfortunately it didn't last and he got back into his old ways. He started burgling to get money to buy drugs.

"He is deeply ashamed of himself and feels he has let himself down. He is angry at himself for messing up his life again."

Jailing him, Recorder James Lewis, QC, said: "There is no other option except a custodial sentence because the offences are so serious.

"The victims were vulnerable and deliberately targeted by you - a repeat if not habitual offender."

Sussex Police said later that following from the report made to the police, CCTV staff acted swiftly and identified Bilsby walking towards Bexhill Station.

DC Roy Stephenson of Rother CID said: "A number of police personnel have worked extremely hard on this case and I think the sentence reflects the nature of the crime.

"Burglary of any kind is serious, but this particular case, which targets mainly the elderly is despicable, I think one of the reasons why the chosen victims are elderly, is because of identification issues at a later date, which often proves difficult because of memory or eyesight issues".

"In relation to Derek Bilsby he rarely has had to use force to enter these homes and indicated that a number of the homes or rooms are left insecure, obviously his actions cannot be condoned but I would ask that Care and Residential homes be mindful of their in -house security measures.

"Of the numerous offences Bilsby admitted only once did he have to physically open a window which was unlocked, the other occasions he simply walked in and stole or tried to steal.

"We have been actively trying to raise the profile of security in these homes, I wouldn't wish to be a scaremonger in this case but whilst Bilsby will not be able to burgle for a few years there are others that may try and simply a locked door may be all that is required" .