By Harry Howard For Mailonline
Published: 19:37 BST, 17 May 2019 | Updated: 19:37 BST, 17 May 2019
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Ken Baker fell victim to distraction burglar Edward Delaney who stole £700 and a packet of Penguin biscuits after tricking his way into his Sandford Hill home by pretending to be from the Gas Board
A 91-year-old man who bravely gave evidence against a traveller targeting elderly people across Stoke-on-Trent died a day before justice was served.
Ken Baker fell victim to distraction burglar Edward Delaney who stole £700 and a packet of Penguin biscuits after tricking his way into his home in the Sandford Hill area by pretending to be from the Gas Board.
Mr Baker was one of several vulnerable victims father-of-eight Delaney's gang preyed on during a reign of terror.
But Mr Baker - who was battling cancer at the time - lost his fight for life a day before Delaney appeared in court to plead guilty.
Now Mr Baker has been handed a posthumous award by Staffordshire Police after his evidence was crucial to securing a conviction.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jav Oomer said: 'Mr Baker was a key witness as many of the other victims who had suffered similar circumstances were too afraid, frail or vulnerable to come forward.
'Unfortunately he died the day before the offender went to court and pleaded guilty so he didn't get to hear the good news, but we're so grateful for his courage and help in bringing Delaney to justice.'
Delaney - known as Ned - was jailed
