A 91-year-old man who bravely gave evidence against a traveller targeting elderly people across Stoke-on-Trent died a day before justice was served.
Ken Baker fell victim to distraction burglar Edward Delaney who stole £700 and a packet of Penguin biscuits after tricking his way into the Sandford Hill home by pretending to be from the Gas Board.
He was one of several vulnerable victims father-of-eight Delaney's gang preyed on during a reign of terror.
But Mr Baker - who was battling cancer at the time - lost his fight for life a day before Delaney appeared in court to plead guilty.
Now Mr Baker has been handed a posthumous award from Staffordshire Police after his evidence was crucial to securing a conviction.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jav Oomer said: “Mr Baker was a key witness as many of the other victims who had suffered similar circumstances were too afraid, frail or vulnerable to come forward.
“Unfortunately he died the day before the offender went to court and pleaded guilty so he didn’t get to hear the good news, but we’re so grateful for his courage and help in bringing Delaney to justice.”
Delaney - known as Ned - was jailed for 10 years at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on October 5 for his part in the conspiracy to commit 10 distraction burglaries which saw the four men steal almost £20,000 from their victims, who were aged between 72 and 94.
The gang took more than £10,000 from one couple in Great Wyrley in South Staffordshire, which the victims - who were in their eighties - had saved up over their entire married life.
The three other men remain at large.
During the crime spree members of the gang claimed to be from authorities including the 'water board' and 'the council' to trick their way inside the homes of vulnerable pensioners, most of whom lived in Stoke-on-Trent, before stealing cash.
The gang took more than £10,000 from one couple in Great Wyrley in South Staffordshire, which the victims - who were in their eighties - had saved up over their entire married life.
Crimes the gang carried out in Stoke-on-Trent during March and April included:
- Stealing more than £5,000 from an 87-year-old woman living in Meir, after claiming to be from 'the council';
- Tricking their way into the home of an 87-year-old woman in Meir, on the premise of checking her water supply and getting away with £1,500;
- Walking into the home of a blind 84-year-old inMeir - who had left the door open for her carers - and going into her bedroom while she was resting in bed.
Mr Baker was not attacked physically but felt threatened and was about to undergo chemotherapy at the time.
His niece Patricia Webster travelled from France to pick up the Certificate of Appreciation on his behalf.
She told StokeonTrentLive: "I was very close to my uncle, he was in very poor health when this happened - he had prostate and bowel cancer - and has since passed away.
"I was caring for him when this happened but was out at the time. When I found out what had happened I was devastated for him. They are dreadful people, because of who they target.
"I would like to thank Hanley CID for their diligence and care during the investigation, they have been incredible."
Delaney, of Little Meadows, Hilton, Cheshire, He has previously served long prison sentences for similar offences - and was on licence when he committed his latest crimes.
Detective constables Natalie Edwards and Lee Cartwright were also commended for their work during this investigation.
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