Old folk of Belgravia prey to cruel conman - Neil Brooker, 27, said he needed cash for 'sick daughter'

Published: 04 February 2011
by JOSH LOEB

A “DISTRACTION” burglar who conned Belgravia residents out of money by claiming he had a sick child to support has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Neil Brooker, 27, of no fixed abode, was arrested by Westminster officers on December 6 last year in West Norwood.

Over a period of two months, from October 15 to December 16, Brooker called on a number of residents in Westminster.

He told his intended victims that he was collecting money for sponsorship for his daughter who was suffering from leukaemia, cancer or diphtheria. 

Having been invited into the resident’s home, he persuaded victims to give him money or would distract and confuse them in order to steal money or property.

Most of Brooker’s victims were elderly, disabled and vulnerable women who lived alone. Following his arrest he was also found to have committed an additional five offences in other areas which were subsequently identified and detected.

He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on January 13.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Parsons of the Westminster Burglary Squad said: “The apprehension of Brooker became a borough priority as we felt that elderly and vulnerable residents within Belgravia were at risk of being targeted by him. 

“The pooling of resources and experience of various police units across Westminster led to the prompt arrest and apprehension of this individual.  

“The six-year sentence awarded by the Crown Court most certainly reflects the gravity of the offences committed by Neil Brooker and will be good news for the residents of Belgravia whom he targeted.”