Heartless thief who stole laptop from six-year-old boy’s funeral jailed

A HEARTLESS thief who stole a laptop from a six-year-old boy’s funeral has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Franklyn Mathurin ran off with the computer as it was being used at TJ Martin’s funeral, a six-year-old who died after suffering rare Candle syndrome – a disorder that causes inflammation and fever.

Mathurin caught on CCTV walking into church Met Police

CCTV footage showed Mathurin limp into Pentecostal City Church in North London as the funeral was taking place and leaving 15 minutes later with a plastic bag.

The 47-year-old posed as a mourner to gain access to the church last November.

TJ’s family were heartbroken after losing photos of their little boy PA

Little TJ’s family only realised the laptop, which contained “all their memories”, was missing after returning to the church from the burial in Kensal Rise.

Mathurin, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and had another taken into consideration when he appeared at Harrow Crown Court for sentencing.

Nicola Calnan, from Crown Prosecution Service London, said: “This offence was particularly damaging as the victims were heartbroken parents who were mourning the loss of their young son and the laptop that was stolen contained some of their treasured memories.

Mathurin is seen at back of church by laptop bag Met Police

“This was a cruel and callous theft and Mathurin has now been brought to justice for this despicable crime.”