A “vile” addict preyed on elderly and vulnerable people by stealing money from them while pretending to be a genuine tradesman. Thomas Hallisey, 48, rocked up unannounced at homes in Rochdale and Littleborough before offering to carry out gardening or landscaping services, only to take residents’ cash and never follow through with the work.
When one suspicious victim asked if he was genuine, Hallisey told her: “I love my mum. I wouldn’t like anyone to do it to her. Don’t worry about that, love’.”
The thief has now been put behind bars following a hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court, where a judge described him as “vile”. Prosecutor Lisa Boocock said: “The defendant preyed on the elderly and vulnerable”.
She said Hallisey targeted areas where elderly people, who were often “isolated in their own homes,” lived, reports Manchester Evening News.
View 2 ImagesA general view of Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court (Image: Christopher Furlong/Getty)
His first victim was a 70-year-old woman. Hallisey knocked on her door at about 5.30pm on January 13. She saw he appeared to be talking to someone on the phone, but later believed this was a ‘ruse’.
Hallisey said he had been speaking with one of her neighbours, and told her that the roof needed work. He also claimed there was a problem with rats in the area. He left with £85 promising to carry out work but never returned.
Hallisey next turned up at the home of a man on February 13, who was not said to be elderly, but was ‘vulnerable’ as he sometimes used a mobility scooter. He offered to carry out gardening work, and claimed to be on a ‘council list’.
He quoted £150, but the man became suspicious and asked for ID. Hallisey eventually left. The victim said the stress had caused him to suffer painful cluster headaches. He said: “I’m scared of going outside in case I see this male.”
Hallisey was back on February 19 targeting another elderly victim, knocking on her door. He claimed to be doing work at a neighbour’s home. He quoted her £40 for similar work but she gave him £20, leaving shortly after.
“This situation has left me feeling frightened in my house,” the victim said. The following day, Hallisey arrived at the home of a woman who was bed bound and in her late 70s.
He asked for the key code to the property and let himself in. He offered to carry out gardening work for £300, and said he would need a £200 deposit. She refused and instead handed over £40.
Her carer had not been present on that occasion. Hallisey left and returned on another day when a carer was there, who then reported him to police.
Hallisey next struck at an 80-year-old woman’s home. He told her he was doing work on gardens nearby. He quoted her £80 for similar work but said she didn’t have it. The woman later said she’d felt ‘frightened ever since’.
On March 6, Hallisey attended the home of an 88-year-old woman claiming to have been doing landscaping at other homes nearby. He offered to carry out work for £200. She said she only had £10 so gave him that and he left.
She later said: “I feel like such a fool. I feel ashamed of myself.” Hallisey’s final victim was an 85-year-old man with mobility issues. He claimed to be doing work on neighbouring homes and offered to carry out similar work.
Hallisey was left alone in the lounge and stole £240 from his money tin. The man later said he’d been left feeling ‘really upset’. Police arrested Hallisey on March 10 after reports of a suspicious male knocking on doors in the area.
He answered mostly no comment to questions during his interview with police, but confirmed he had committed the crime spree to fund his drug habit.
Hallisey’s lawyer told the court that at one point the defendant had been spending £250 a day on his cocaine and heroin habit. The court heard that overall Hallisey had stolen more than £600 from his seven victims, who all apart from one were in their 70s or 80s.
Defending, Ben Sayers said Hallisey’s crimes were ‘unsophisticated’ and had been committed in a ‘particularly bleak part of the defendant’s life’.
He was stabbed two years ago, has suffered traumatic incidents in his personal life and has had mental health issues, Mr Sayers said. He has since become clean from drugs in prison, the court heard.
Sentencing Hallisey to 21 months in prison, judge Recorder Emma Fisher said: “It is clear that this is a series of offences where you were preying on the elderly and the vulnerable.
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“I don’t believe any human being could do anything but be ashamed of themselves for this offending. These are vile offences which can only merit an immediate custodial sentence.”
Hallisey pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud and one count of theft. As he was led away to start his sentence, of which he will serve 40 per cent behind bars, Hallisey told the court: “I’m sorry for the trouble I have caused.”
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