A thief who robbed an elderly man after tying him up in his own home has this week been jailed.
Billy Dean Bowen, 38, of no fixed abode, but from the Acton area, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentencing today, Tuesday 9 December, after admitting robbery, two counts of robbery and false imprisonment.
He was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison. He was also made the subject of a 15-year restraining order to protect the victim.
On September 22, Bowen approached the victim as he arrived home and asked for a plaster for a bleeding wound, purporting to be a gardener from next door who had injured himself at work.
When the elderly man invited Bowen inside to get the plaster, the victim noticed a window had been smashed and his home had been burgled, which Bowen described to be a “lousy thing to do to an elderly man”.
As he searched the man’s home for an intruder, knowing he was responsible for the break in, the victim continued to search for a plaster for Bowen’s injury.
It was at this moment Bowen attacked him, demanding cash and threatening to kill him if he shouted for help before pushing him onto the floor, tying him up and ripping his wallet from his jacket which included images of high sentimental value.
In the early hours of the following morning, Bowen broke into Kaspa’s restaurant on Priory Street and stole a safe containing over £800 in cash.
He was arrested the following day.
Detective Chief Inspector Eleri Thomas said: “Bowen acted with extreme and unprovoked violence as he preyed on a vulnerable and elderly man who had tried to help him, despite being left terrified after discovering his home had been burgled.
“Despite this, Bowen took advantage of his vulnerability and attacked him in his own home, holding him against his will as he robbed him of cash and other sentimental items.
“Nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their home and I commend the victim’s bravery as I welcome today’s sentence for this despicable crime.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to protect vulnerable people from those who seek to cause them harm and bring offenders to justice.”
