A man has been sentenced to prison after ransacking the home of a 79-year-old pensioner who had previously acted as his 'Good Samaritan' by helping him pay his bills.
A Despicable Breach of Trust
Christopher Pearson, 38, of Eastfield Road, Peterborough, knew his victim well from attending the same church for coffee and cake sessions. The elderly man had shown Pearson kindness in the past by assisting him financially. However, in October 2024, Pearson's actions turned to betrayal.
Prior to the burglary, Pearson had been pestering the pensioner for another £20, sending a string of impatient messages demanding the money immediately. The victim had agreed to provide the cash upon his return from London in a few days, but Pearson's impatience led to a far more serious crime.
The Burglary and the Bloody Evidence
Pearson broke into the pensioner's home by smashing the glass in the back door. During the break-in, he cut his hand, leaving behind crucial blood evidence. He proceeded to steal a television, a sound bar, a laptop, and 150 Euros. The total value of the stolen items was nearly £1,600.
Later on the same day in October 2024, Pearson's crime spree continued. He was reported to police for stealing a bicycle from a key-fob-controlled bike hub at a train station. He seized an opportunity as someone was leaving, wedging the door open with his own bike before using snips to break a lock and cycling away with both bicycles, unaware officers were close behind.
Arrest, Guilty Plea, and Sentence
Pearson was arrested shortly after the bike theft. He initially denied the offences but later changed his plea. In July, he pleaded guilty to burglary, theft of a pedal cycle, going equipped for theft, and failing to surrender to court.
On 8 January 2026, at court, Pearson was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison. Detective Constable Megan Sims of Cambridgeshire Police commented on the case, stating: "Pearson broke into the home of a kind-hearted man who had regularly helped him out with his bills. It was a despicable breach of trust which disappointed the victim who knew Pearson well."
The case serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of betraying a position of trust, particularly when targeting vulnerable and generous members of the community.
