"Callous and dangerous" burglar jailed for 10 years after attacking and robbing Bedford pensioner

A man from Bedford has been sentenced to 10 years in jail, after he knocked a pensioner to the ground in her own home and stole her handbag.

The victim, a woman in her late 60s, required long-term hospital treatment as a result of the actions of Patrick McCann, 47, from Bedford.

He was sentenced after pleading guilty at Luton Crown Court following the incident in January. He also received an extended license on release of five years.

On January 29, at around 11pm, the victim answered a knock at her door and saw a man she didn’t know. As she attempted to shut the door, he forcibly pushed his way in, causing her to fall over and suffer injuries.

McCann then stole her handbag, which contained nothing of value, and left the property. He was captured numerous times on CCTV and video doorbell footage which placed him at the location at the time of the incident.

Detective Constable Andrew Boston, from Bedfordshire Police’s specialist Maze burglary team, said: “McCann is a callous and dangerous individual that has caused misery to many victims over his years of offending. He is someone that has a significant history of targeting elderly vulnerable women on the streets and within their homes to fund his addiction.

“Our team worked tirelessly to identify the suspect in this case, which would not have been possible without the assistance of CCTV from Bedford Borough Council, local businesses and residents. This evidence was vital in convicting McCann, who was left with no choice but to admit his wrong doing.

“I would like to praise the courage and strength shown by the victim’s family, who were present in court during the sentencing, and I hope this helps to give them some closure. I’m pleased that someone as dangerous as McCann will be behind bars for many years to come.”