A thief who stabbed a 63-year-old man and then plundered his savings as the victim lay dying in hospital is facing jail today.
Eugeniusz Ciwinski, 32, slashed Leslie Hebblewhite across the top of his left foot as he ransacked his bedroom in search of cash and valuables.
The Polish-born attacker stole Mr Hebblewhite’s bank card during the 7am raid, leaving his victim injured and bleeding among the wreckage of his bedroom.
Mr Hebblewhite was not discovered until three-and-a-half hours later, when a friend came to visit him and found the bedroom trashed and his possessions thrown around and broken.
The injured man was taken to hospital but died two days later as a result of the foot wound.
Scotland Yard detectives then discovered Mr Hebblewhite’s bank account had been accessed repeatedly in the wake of the attack, with thousands of pounds drained from his savings.
Ciwinski, covering his face while at a cashpoint, made a string of money withdrawals as Mr Hebblewhite lay dying in hospital — and continued to steal from him after he had died.
Wood Green crown court heard the thief had been caught on CCTV entering Mr Hebblewhite’s Tottenham home during his burglary on January 9, and was seen on camera again making cash withdrawals.
He still had the stolen bank card on him when he was arrested on January 15 in Grassmere Road, Tottenham.
In court last week, Ciwinski was found guilty by a jury of manslaughter and five charges of theft from Mr Hebblewhite. He was remanded in custody and was due to be sentenced today.
Acting Detective Sergeant James Nakanda, from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said after his conviction: “Ciwinski not only caused a man to lose his life, but he also stole thousands of pounds from his account as he lay in hospital dying.
“I hope this result will bring some justice to the family and friends of Mr Hebblewhite.”
Ciwinski, from Tottenham, had denied all the charges.
