Two men have been jailed for over two years each for stealing from a blind busker on Bangor High Street.
Chris Chadwick-Parnell, 23, was playing his guitar and singing outside the W H Smith store on the High Street, with his guide dog by his side, when the money was stolen from his guitar case.
Alan Fothergill, 43, admitted theft and was jailed for 26 months while Gary Williams, 51, denied stealing from the musician outside the WH Smiths store in Bangor, but was found guilty and sentenced to 30 months in prison.
The incident, which occurred in June this year, was captured on video and the evidence was handed to police, who subsequently arrested the men.
Judge Huw Rees, described it as “an appalling case” and told the men “This is how low drugs have made you both stoop.”
He added: “They took advantage of a blind man. Both of you lied in interview, the one blaming the other.”
Caernarfon crown court heard the theft had had a huge impact on Mr Chadwick-Parnell. He no longer felt able to busk, which was causing him significant financial problems.
A Just-Giving funding raising page set up by The Bangor Aye for Mr Chadwick aimed to raise £50 but over £1,500 was donated.
Mr Chadwick-Parnell said: “I just want to take the time to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s come forward to support me.
“It’s both humbling and heart warming to know how many people actually really care about the community.
“I never expected someone to open a donation page, but when I discovered that this was the case, I was almost brought to tears by the kindness and the generosity shown to me.
“I can’t even begin to thank the community and the people, who I barely know, for coming forward with their support and their words of encouragement as well.
“I’ve already had so much support from both friends and strangers alike, and I don’t know how to thank you all for your kindness.”
