Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Chris Parker Greater Manchester Police
chris parker

Manchester attack 'hero' jailed for stealing from victims

Chris Parker has been sentenced to over four years in prison.

A HOMELESS MAN hailed as a hero for apparently coming to the aid of victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack was jailed for more than four years today, after admitting to robbing them.

Chris Parker, 33, had claimed to have helped some of those injured in last year’s attack.

However, CCTV footage shown at Manchester Crown Court captured him rifling through the purse of victim Pauline Healey, whose 14-year-old granddaughter was dying nearby. He later used her bank card at a local McDonald’s, the court heard.

When sentencing him to four years and three months in prison, Judge David Hernandez told Parker: “You were not the hero you pretended to be, you were just a common thief.

“It is hard to contemplate a more reprehensible set of circumstances.”

Online appeal 

An online appeal launched in the immediate aftermath of the bombing at the concert by US singer Ariana Grande raised more than £50,000 (about €56,800) for the rough sleeper. The money will be returned to the donors.

Parker was interviewed by British media in the aftermath of the attack carried out by Salman Abedi, saying he had been begging outside the concert arena when the bomb went off.

A tearful Parker told the Press Association news agency at the time: “I heard a bang and within a split second I saw a white flash, then smoke and then I heard screaming.”

“It knocked me to the floor and then I got up and instead of running away my gut instinct was to run back and try and help,” he said.

Parker also stole a mobile phone from a teenage girl in the wake of the attack, which killed 23 people (including the bomber) on 22 May last year.

Parker has a string of previous convictions, including shoplifting and burglary.

© AFP 2018 

Read: Former Glee actor Mark Salling found dead

Read: ‘Livelihoods on the line’: Irish contractors affected by Carillion collapse fear they won’t be paid

Your Voice
Readers Comments
30
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel