County Durham robber who forced vulnerable victim to cash machine jailed

COUNTY DURHAM ROBBER WHO FORCED VULNERABLE VICTIM TO CASH MACHINE JAILED

Lee Dunn, 39, has been jailed after preying on a man with cerebral palsy in Chilton last August.

Dunn noticed the victim’s mobility difficulties and initially approached under the guise of trying to sell a mobile phone, all the while eyeing up the property.

Recently released from prison at the time, he returned shortly after, asking for a "cup of sugar for his bairn." Once inside, he forced his way in further and threatened to stab the man.

During the ordeal, Dunn pretended to call an accomplice, warning the victim that the house would be blown up if he failed to comply.

He then stole the man’s phone and marched him to a cash machine, ordering him to withdraw £200 before leaving.

The victim managed to alert police soon after.

Durham Constabulary’s South CID, alongside Ferryhill Neighbourhood Policing Team, identified Dunn.

Although he tried to escape, he was arrested and charged with robbery.

Despite strong evidence against him, he initially denied the offence but changed his plea to guilty on the day his trial was due to begin.

At Durham Crown Court, Dunn, of Chilton, was handed a prison term of six years and three months.

The victim was also given a ten-year restraining order for protection.

Detective Constable Bruno Lee, who led the investigation, said: "Dunn is a prolific offender who targeted a vulnerable member of the community in his own address.

The victim's life has been completely destroyed by this and now feels like a prisoner in his own home, feels like he has lost all his independence and is unable to trust anyone.

"This is not acceptable.

The victim has shown enormous strength and courage throughout the investigation to bring Dunn to justice and we hope this sentence gives him some peace of mind."