Man jailed for stealing from 79-year-old church worker
Burglary described as a ‘despicable breach of trust’
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
A man has been jailed for breaking into the home of a 79-year-old church worker and stealing items worth nearly £1,600 in value in what police described as a “despicable breach of trust.”
Christopher Pearson, 38, had known the victim through attending coffee and cake sessions at a local church. The pensioner had previously helped Pearson by paying bills on his behalf.
However, when Pearson repeatedly messaged the pensioner demanding £20, the victim agreed to give him the cash upon returning from London in a few days.
Impatient for the money, Pearson broke into the pensioner’s home in the Millfield area of Peterborough in October 2024 in an attempt to get funds for drugs.
Pearson smashed the back door glass, cutting his hand and leaving evidence at the scene, before stealing a TV, sound bar, laptop, and 150 Euros. Later that same day, he was caught stealing a bike at the city’s train station after wedging open the door to a bike hub and cutting locks to remove it.
Police arrested Pearson shortly after the bike theft, and he initially denied the offences. However, in July, he pleaded guilty to burglary, theft of a pedal cycle, going equipped, and failing to surrender to court.
On 8th January, Pearson, of Eastfield Road, Peterborough, was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court.
DC Megan Sims said: “Pearson broke into the home of a kind-hearted man who had regularly helped him out with his bills. It was a despicable breach of trust which disappointed the victim who knew Pearson well.”