Moment convicted murderer caught brazenly stealing £4,000 in funeral money

CCTV footage shows the moment a convicted murderer recently released from prison was caught stealing thousands of pounds from a man’s back pocket.

Paul Paginton, 50, attacked Anthony Lilwall when he withdrew £4,000 to help his ex-wife cover the costs of her father’s funeral.

Paginton watched as the bank teller handed the money in three bags to Mr. Lilwall.

He then followed Lilwall from the bank to a pub in Newport city center where he stole £3,540 from his back pocket.

Paginton, of Ilchester Road, Llanrumney, was identified on CCTV and later pleaded guilty to robbery. He was jailed for 18 weeks at Cardiff Crown Court.

Mr Lilwell (pictured right) withdrew the money so he could lend it to his ex-wife to cover the costs of her father’s funeral.

Paul Paginton (pictured left), 50, followed Mr Lilwell before stealing the cash as he entered a pub in Newport

CCTV footage captured the moment Paginton reached into Lilwall’s back pocket as he walked up the steps of the pub, before fleeing.

Prosecutor Martha Smith-Higgins said Paginton stole £3,540 and the remaining £460 – all in £20 notes – was left scattered in the street.

CCTV showed Mr Lilwell reaching out to grab notes thrown into the air and scattered across the floor.

Smith-Higgins said: ‘There was some degree of planning. The money was not returned to the victim.

The court heard he was previously convicted of murder in 1997 and sentenced to life in prison before being released.

Neil Evans, defending, said: ‘He spent the money over three days in a hotel where he could have a shower,’ he said.

Paginton was identified by CCTV and later pleaded guilty to robbery

“The defendant also spent the money on food. He doesn’t have a problem with alcohol, he doesn’t have a problem with drinking.

‘To use an old-fashioned phrase, this was a pickpocket.’

The judge, recording artist Victoria Hillier, told Paginton: ‘You were licensed at the time of this offence.

‘There was clearly some degree of planning – you made the decision to follow it.’