A HEARTLESS crook is behind bars after stealing a pensioner’s handbag and £2,500 hearing aid from her sheltered housing home – when she went to church.

Jardon Miller cycled past the 83-year-old as she walked along the street with her niece to go to church.
And seconds later he was in her home, helping himself to her handbag, which contained her £2,500 hearing aid, bank cards, cash and driving licence.

Miller, 50, targeted the pensioner’s home in Hawthorn Place, Kilwinning, on November 25.
It’s thought she had left her door unlocked, not believing she would need to lock it as it is within a sheltered housing complex, meaning Miller did not have to force entry.

Addict Miller, of Hayocks Road, Stevenston, also stole alcohol from the Sainsbury’s in Saltcoats on November 20.

He was detained last month and admitted his guilt during a hearing at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.
Sentence was deferred for the case to call before Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane, who is monitoring him over other court cases, and he returned to the dock this week.

Defence Solicitor Advocate Simon Brown said: “Obviously Mr Miller is well aware of the position he has put himself in and that he has breached the position of trust the court and your ladyship placed him in.
“He replaced one addiction with another and as a consequence has an addiction to street valium.
“He was under the influence of the drug and has little or no recollection of events.”

Speaking from the dock Miller, who was wearing an Ajax tracksuit top, said: “I’d like to apologise to yourself and Mr Brown.

“Last week I didn’t even know if it was New Year or New York.

“When you’re in that position you need a drug, you’re like a rabbit in the headlights. But that first week in prison I realised I don’t need it.”

As she remanded Miller in custody and called for reports, Sheriff McFarlane said: “I’ve given you so many chances. I can’t have you going in to old ladies’ homes stealing handbags.”