Jail for 'thoroughly dishonest' burglar who raided widow's jewellery collection

Elderly victim tells court she now feels unsafe in her own home

A burglar who raided a widow’s jewellery collection before selling on what he’d stolen has been jailed.

Kevin Paul Scott Grass, of Cowells Terrace in Ramsey, was told he was ‘clearly the most dishonest of individuals’ during sentencing at Douglas Courthouse today (10 July).

The 34-year-old had initially denied carrying out the burglary - at a property on Ballure Road between 12 and 18 September 2021 – but changed his plea before he was due to stand trial.

The court heard Grass had been employed by the woman, who is in her 70s, to paint an upstairs bedroom - she had given him a key for access whilst she was out.

On 17 September she returned home from an appointment to find 25 items of her jewellery – which held ‘significant sentimental value’ – had been stolen from her bedroom.

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The collection – which included watches, bracelets, pendants and engagement rings belonging to late family members – was said to be worth between £10,000 and £12,000.

Police were called and the woman’s daughter also used Facebook to appeal for help in tracking down the stolen items by posting images of the pieces which had been taken.  

She was contacted by someone who buys gold and silver for cash who confirmed he’d bought a selection of jewellery from Grass.

Investigations later showed payments totalling more than £2,000 had been made into Grass’ bank account; some of the stolen items were later recovered but 10 are still missing.

‘Hugely distressing’

In a victim impact statement, provided to the court, the woman described the burglary as ‘the most upsetting and traumatic experience’.

“He left me feeling vulnerable and unsafe in my own home,” she said – adding how the thought of Grass going through the ‘safe space’ of her bedroom felt ‘deliberate and personal’.

She also described how she still searches charity shops, and car boot sales, in the hope that she’ll find the outstanding items – some of which were gifts from her late husband.

‘Dishonest personality’

Grass, who has more than 10 previous convictions for dishonesty, also admitted to stealing vodka, from Shoprite in Ramsey, on 28 June whilst on bail awaiting sentencing.

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His advocate told the court his client had longstanding issues with alcohol and drugs and ‘was not in the right headspace’ at the time of the burglary saying he’d become aggrieved when he wasn’t paid.

Damage

Describing Grass as having a ‘dishonest personality’ Deemster Graeme Cook told him: “This elderly lady, living alone, has had her life damaged – probably indefinitely.

“You have committed the first burglary in your criminal career. You were trying to put your life back on the right track but you have failed miserably.”

Sending Grass to prison for 31 months - 28 months for the burglary and three months for the theft – Deemster Cook added: “You are a thoroughly dishonest person.”