He’s not laughing now . . .

Vile thug Leon Gunning: chuckled as he robbed woman, 92

A “JEKYLL and Hyde” Heroin addict who laughed at a 92-year-old woman as she begged him to stop stealing her family jewellery was beginning a 10-year jail sentence today.

Father-of-two Leon Gunning, of Surma Close, Westwood, pushed terrified Mary Wrigley to the floor — then plundered her property as she pleaded with him to go.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard how the 34-year-old stole three gold rings and three bracelets from a jewellery box before chuckling as he took a £20 note from Mrs Wrigley’s purse when she lay helpless and weeping on the floor. Gunning ignored pleas to help the woman get to her feet — then fled, leaving her in agony.

Mrs Wrigley, who had undergone two knee replacement operations, managed to drag herself along the floor to call a relative who alerted police.

The victim, who has lived at the property for 51 years, later said the attack left her heartbroken.

She added: “I fear for my safety now every time I hear the doorbell.

“This has broken my heart. I don’t think I will ever get over it — physically or mentally.”

The haul included an eternity ring with diamonds, a cluster ring with raised diamonds and a plain band with personalised initials.

Gunning, who has a criminal record dating back 20 years, pleaded guilty to robbery. He asked for 12 offences of burglary — mainly on the homes of the elderly and vulnerable aged between 41 and 95 — to be considered.

Judge Roger Thomas told him: “Even in your long history, this is the most serious offence you have been involved in.

“This elderly lady was in good health and lived quite independently.

“She was rendered immobile and defenceless.”

Nicoletta Amatino, prosecuting, said Gunning even tried to prize a wedding ring from the victim’s finger.

The robbery took place in May when Mrs Wrigley answered a knock at her door at 6.50am thinking it was a neighbour.

Robert Lancaster, defending, described Gunning as a Jekyll and Hyde character who had abused heroin. “He is a different man away from drugs,” said Mr Lancaster.

Only one of the rings was ever recovered.