Conman faked learning difficulties to rob Ashington shop

Posted by The Journal on Sep 26, 09 11:27 AM in News

A conman faked learning difficulties to stage a £3,000 theft spree across Northumberland, a court heard yesterday.

Patrick Maughan - who uses more than 40 different aliases - targeted stores with a woman accomplice.

He pretended he was mentally disabled, babbling, bouncing and slapping his head as part of the convincing act.

His side-kick would then distract shop assistants or store bosses, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

And Maughan, of no fixed address, took the chance to snatch money while their backs were turned.

The pair raided four shops in Amble in Northumberland in a single afternoon, including Blockbusters and Herons Frozen Foods, the court was told.

Days later they used the same ruse at a food shop in Ashington.

"The defendant was behaving in a particular way," said John Brennan, prosecuting. "He was pretending he had learning difficulties."

Maughan, who gave police more than 20 different dates of birth but is thought to be 26, admitted conspiracy to steal.

He also pleaded guilty to burgling the staff quarters at a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in Hertfordshire, stealing a handbag and escaping in a car belonging to one of the workers.

Mr Recorder Lumley told him: "You have been prepared to travel the length and breadth of the country to commit crimes. In my judgment, these offences were sophisticated and contained professional components because you feigned illness while your accomplice distracted shopkeepers and you stole substantial sums of money."

But Recorder Lumley said he gave Maughan - who has 75 previous convictions - full credit for his guilty pleas.

And suspending a 12-month jail sentence for two years with supervision, he said: "The wider interests of the public require you stop behaving in this way.

"I am just persuaded to suspend the sentence. Whether I am being brave or foolish only time will tell."

Maughan had struggled to cope with a bereavement and misused both drink and drugs, said Jason Elliott, defending.

"He has led a chaotic life," Mr Elliott added.

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