Man Jailed For Stealing From Leicester Chemo Unit

15 October 2018, 18:38

A 44 year old described as a career criminal took cast and DVD players from Leicester Royal Infirmary.

A serial criminal has been jailed after stealing DVD players from a hospital chemotherapy unit and cash from a cancer centre.

Richard Ward was handed a 27-month prison sentence after admitting a number of offences at Leicester Crown Court on Monday, Leicestershire Police said.

The 44-year-old entered the Chemotherapy Suite at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) between June 21 and 25 and stole nine DVD players from a locked cupboard.

On July 20 he stole cash from the hospital's Macmillan Centre.

The force said other burglaries were committed at offices in Hinckley Road, Castle Street and Saffron Lane where he stole money, bank cards and a car.

Ward, who is being detained at HMP Leicester, pleaded guilty to six counts of burglary, one count of fraud by false representation and theft of a motor vehicle.

Pc Natalie Atchison said: "We know Ward is a career criminal who has committed a number of offences spanning many years.

"He had no qualms in targeting a hospital during his crime spree and we're pleased he's admitted his involvement in the offences.

"Crimes such as these not only end up costing the victims but also, in the case of the incidents at the LRI, patients who are there receiving vital treatment.

"DVD players available for patients were taken during the incident and his actions can only be described as callous."