A CLEVEDON man who stole personal possessions from the elderly people he cared for has been found guilty by a crown court jury.

The North Somerset Times reported last week on the trial of David Pike, who was charged with five counts of theft from five homes in Clevedon over a period of two years, while working for Brunel Care.

Recorder Ignatius Hughes QC told the court on Friday the ‘almost inevitable’ course of sentence will be imprisonment, but the case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric report.

He said: “In adjourning the case for a future date, I make it plain that this is not to be taken positively. This is a case for immediate imprisonment.”

During the case at Bristol Crown Court last week, the jury heard Pike, aged 49, of Strode Road, had stolen sentimental items to sell on, such as a Shakespeare commemorative coin, watches, a garnet and pearl ring, an engraved life-saving medal, and a pestle and mortar from November 18, 2010 to October 12, 2012.

Pike was employed by Brunel Care in November 2010 and was arrested on October 12, 2012.

During the trial, prosecutor James Tucker said: “At that time his house and car were searched and during that search a number of items were recovered.”

The court heard Pike came into contact with Richard Searle, who owns a jewellery shop in Clevedon, and Mr Searle recalls a coin which was melted down and a ring.

Pike said he had a hobby of picking up items at car boot sales, and when asked by police about specific pieces he answered ‘no comment.’

Recorder Hughes said: “You have been convicted by this jury on all five counts which represents serious offending, in breach of trust, and stealing from very vulnerable people.

“The almost inevitable course means imprisonment but I’m prepared to accept that a pre-sentence report be obtained to find out more about you before a decision is made.”