Jailed: Man who stole laptop at six-year-old boy’s funeral in Harlesden

A man who stole a laptop belonging to the parents of a six-year-old boy during his funeral at a church in Harlesden has been jailed today.

Pat and Norris Martin with their daughter Tashana-Rae, five, and a photo of their late son TJ, six (pic credit: PA/Jonathan Brady) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

Franklyn Mathurin was sentenced to four-and-a-half years for the theft, a second burglary and a breach of a suspended sentence.

The 47-year-old carried out the theft inside the Pentecostal City Church in Scrub’s Lane, while Pat and Norris Martin were burying their son TJ at Kensal Green Cemetery on November 2 last year.

The laptop had been used to project photographs of the boy during his funeral service at the church.

TJ who suffered from Candle Syndrome, died on October 12.

Mathurin was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court.

The second burglary was in connection with a break-in at a flat in Harrow Road on September 17.

Nicola Calnan, Crown Prosecution Service’s London reviewing lawyer, said: “Franklyn Mathurin is a prolific thief who has numerous convictions for similar offences.

“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.

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