A 97-YEAR-OLD shopkeeper has put his Newton Abbot business up for sale after being targeted by a smash and grab raider who smashed his window and looted ‘priceless’ antiques. 

Homeless Daniel Anderson was drunk when he walked up to The Attic shop in Union Street, shattered the window, and grabbed everything he could.

Owner George Gillman, who is a widower, said the burglary was final straw and valued gold in the stolen items at £6,000 but said some of jewellery was ‘priceless’. 

Some rings and other gems had great sentimental value because they had been bought by his late wife. His victim statement said he was unlikely to be able to carry on.

War veteran Mr Gillman, who served 27 years in the Royal Navy, sat in the public gallery at Exeter Crown Court where a Judge thanked him for the service he has given the public over many years. 

The shopkeeper told him: ‘I can’t see myself getting any of the stolen things back. This isn’t the first time this has happened. The shop is up for sale. I’m 97 and I’m packing up.’

Anderson, 42, of no fixed address, admitted burglary and was jailed for 10 months, suspended for two years, with an alcohol treatment requirement and 40 days of rehabilitation activities by Judge Stephen Climie.

He told Anderson: ‘Mr Gillman is a decent, hardworking man who has dedicated his life to the service of others, selling antiques.

‘These items included those purchased by his late wife. It is not the first time his premises have been targeted. This offence was undoubtedly targeted because of the significant value of the goods on display.’ 

Miss Feleena Grosvenor, prosecuting, said Anderson broke the shop window at 1.45 am in March and he was traced by DNA.

Mr Gillman estimated the loss at £6,015 and damage at more than £1,000. One leather box and a pair of binoculars were recovered. Anderson has 44 previous convictions for theft. 

Mr Paul Dentith, defending, said Anderson wants to apologise and is willing to address the alcohol and drug issues which led to him falling into a cycle of homelessness and offending.