Big John's dad comes to aid of pupils after burglary hell
A KIND-HEARTED businessman has stepped in to help primary school pupils targeted by thieves — and is calling on other bosses to get involved too.
Cyril Hartson, dad of footballing hero John and owner of city business Hartson Fire, was so touched by the plight of Plasmarl Primary that he got in touch with the Post to offer his support.
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Cyril Hartson
As the paper reported on Thursday, the school has been broken into four times since August, and has had 15 laptop computers stolen.
Head teacher Lucy Saunders said the thefts had left pupils and staff "devastated".
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But now Mr Hartson has launched a call for cash to buy new computers for the youngsters.
The boss of the Llansamlet- based fire protection firm said: "I am absolutely appalled at what happened — how could anyone do this to a primary school?
"I know these are tough times but I am sure people would like to help replace the laptops.
"I want to start the ball rolling by putting in a couple of hundred pounds — and I hope other businesses will join me."
Ian Corbett, who lives just 200 yards from the school on Landeg Street, pleaded guilty to burgling the school on September 9 and taking five laptops, worth £2,295.
He also admitted entering the school again a month later with intent to steal — but he left empty handed because valuables had been moved to another part of the building.
Swansea Magistrates Court heard that Corbett had sold the laptops he had stolen from the children for £500.
Andrew Evans, representing Corbett, said his client had been drinking heavily and his "inhibitions were lowered" before breaking in.
Corbett will appear before Swansea Crown Court — which has greater powers of sentencing than magistrates court — on December 10.
Plasmarl head teacher Lucy Saunders said the school was very grateful for Mr Hartson's support.
She said: "During the past few years of financial constraint we are increasingly reliant on internal fundraising and external donations.
"Without computer equipment our children are missing out on important opportunities to acquire new skills.
"We really appreciate the support shown to us by Mr Hartson."
Comments
by maxmin
Saturday, October 27 2012, 10:36AM
“Richardcorso makes some good points. You have to ask what sort of security was in place if a drink befuddled man could break in with ease and steal so much? I mean it was hardly the A team was it?
Anyway back to the story- Well done that man!”
by RichardCorso
Saturday, October 27 2012, 10:06AM
“Schools need to take security more seriously especially IT security. It would help if a high security fireproof bolted down safe is used to store the laptops at the end of each days IT studies. Better physical security and monitoring should be employed. Schools have been using computer systems now for well over 20+ years so there should be some good security stories that have worked. Perhaps the UK Government should insist in a minimum security level before they fund the IT systems. It's also got to be cheaper if schools start to use Cloud based systems - providing both remote applications and back-up systems. Google system only uses a basic laptop system to access it's Cloud based systems. I'm sure a County or Wales wide agreement could be made with a security company so that all schools could be monitored and a group discount made. Also as a final note - what happened to the schools content insurance - I know times are tight financially but insurance always needs to be paid - the insurance could then have paid for the replacement laptops!”
by luggys
Saturday, October 27 2012, 9:22AM
“Corbett is a filthy low life FACT.”
by tommos43
Saturday, October 27 2012, 8:33AM
“Mr Corbett should be replacing these...nobody else!!!”