A PENSIONER was left shocked when her goodwill was taken advantage of by a thief who conned his way into her home.

All this lady wanted to do was buy some dusters from the man who came to her door and told her he was a travelling salesman.

She saw no reason to doubt his sincerity and went inside to fetch her purse.

But she was followed in by the man who suddenly lunged at her, grabbed her purse, containing £170, and made a speedy getaway.

This week she saw the thief, Sean Quinn, jailed for the con. The victim criticised the two year sentence as not long enough because Quinn had preyed on an innocent woman whose only error was to open the door.

At the court case Judge Terence Maher said Quinn had committed a 'very mean and unpleasant offence' against the pensioner.

In fairness, it could be argued that two years jail is the correct judicial sentence. But it doesn't sound long enough if it means Quinn could get out in a year on probation.

We certainly don't blame the victim for wanting Quinn locked up for a long time, because this sort of distraction burglary on pensioners happens all too often. They are seen as easy targets and they are often taken in by con men.

To say this sort of crime is mean and unpleasant is an understatement. Committing a crime against the elderly or infirm is the work of a coward and is nothing short of despicable.

But every time it happens the only advice that can be given is to ask for identification from anyone who comes to the door and call the police if there is any doubt.

Good advice, but why should the elderly have to live in fear, and worry every time someone knocks on their door or rings the bell?