A Bangor man has been convicted stealing money from the guitar case of a blind busker.
Gary Williams, 51, of Love Lane, Bangor, denied stealing from Chris Chadwick-Parnell, who was busking in his normal spot on the city's High Street on 26th June 2019.
Williams, who had falsely claimed he was helping Mr Chadwick-Parnell collect his earnings, was convicted at his recent trial at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court.
His co-accused, Alan Fothergill, 43, of Plas Mabon, Bangor, admitted theft at a previous hearing. He will be sentenced next week.
Williams' deceit was exposed by a video recording taken by a concerned passer by who noticed his crime against the vulnerable busker.
Laura Thomas, who took the video, was praised by Magistrates for her public spiritedness.
In a victim impact statement, Mr Chadwick-Parnell described how music helped him and the financial impact of not being able to busk.
"I don't feel safe to work outside any more," he said.
Williams pleaded guilty to a public order offence, having sworn at a police officer when arrested and having arrived late to court for his trial.
He was told to pay £110 in a fine and costs for these offences.
Magistrates sent the theft matter to Caernarfon Crown Court for sentencing.
Peter Talbot, chair of the bench, described the theft as "a despicable act."
He added: "Our sentencing powers are insufficient. This was a group action on a vulnerable victim."
Credit to Mr Talbot for being so reserved in his comments. This is a particularly low crime - stealing not only a blind man's money, but also his confidence, way of life and faith in humanity. It really is a wicked act that deserves the utmost punishment.
Here's hoping the judge at the Crown Court hands down a sentence befitting the crime.
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