Our city is thankful to Judge Clark - the YEP says
It is not always the loss of money that hurts victims of crime and their loved ones the most.
Often, it is the psychological impact of knowing that someone has been so devious in their treatment of a vulnerable person.
Judge Neil Clark recognised this very point as he sentenced a career criminal for stealing from an elderly Leeds couple.
Craig Sibson had offered what seemed to be genuine friendship as he wormed his way into their lives, going on to steal as much as £20,000.
The 49-year-old managed to obtain the couple’s bank card and withdrew cash on a regular basis, treating their savings like his own personal account.
His offending only came to light following the death of the woman in 2017, further compounding her family’s heartbreak.
As Sibson was jailed for 16 months, he was told: “It must be immediate custody for someone who commits an offence as mean and despicable as this.”
In taking this serial offender off the streets, Judge Clark has done our whole city a favour.