A 24-YEAR-OLD man who went to visit his mum in a nursing home ended up stealing £20 from an 88-year-old resident’s handbag.

Blackburn magistrates heard Michael George Richards was caught rifling through another elderly lady’s bag at the Croft Nursing Home in Whalley.

And after leaving the home he went to a nearby medical centre where, after giving his details, he stole a computer monitor and paperwork.

Richards, of Brownlow Street, Clitheroe, pleaded guilty to theft, attempted theft and burglary. He was jailed for 12 weeks.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said when Richards went to visit his mother the residents were at lunch and he was invited into a lounge and offered a cup of coffee.

“He was left in the room alone and a member of staff returned to find him rifling through a handbag,” said Miss Allan.

“After he had left it became apparent £20 was missing from another handbag.”

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said that since his release from prison six weeks ago Richards had not been paid any benefits.

“When he was placed in this room with the handbags temptation got the better of him,” said Mr Church-Taylor.

“These were the acts of a desperate man.”