A PAIR of thieves conned a vulnerable pensioner by distracting her so they could steal her chequebook after cleaning her guttering.

Patrick Cash and Scott William Kennedy attended a home in Prince Andrew Way, North Ascot on April 2 last year and offered to clean the guttering for the 85-year-old resident.

Once they had finished, 25-year-old Cash asked the elderly woman to go upstairs to keep out of his way and then with Kennedy’s help stole her cheque book and banked a cheque for £3,850.

The pair admitted burglary and concealing or converting stolen property and were sentenced at Reading crown court on Wednesday, March 8.

Cash, of Hawthorn Farm, Pye Corner Kent, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment for burglary and four months’ imprisonment for concealing or converting stolen property.

Kennedy, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at the same hearing to six months’ imprisonment. The 30-year-old was charged with the crime in November, along with Cash.

“Sadly, the victim in this case has passed away,” said investigating officer, PC Marc Boyd. “But hopefully the men being put behind bars will help bring closure to the family of the victim.

“Thames Valley Police will not tolerate these types of offences where offenders target the most vulnerable members of society in order to subsidize their own lifestyles.”