CALLOUS crooks systematically stole from the home of an 86 year old man -- even when they knew he was lying dead in his unlit cellar.

Latvian Edgaris Baumanis, a mathematician who was both eccentric and accomplished, hoarded cycles and power tools along with chocolate and jars of gherkins.

Manchester Crown Court heard the qualified teacher with an MSc in maths had a strong personality, and was keen on wildlife and the environment.

A former sportsman, he travelled everywhere by bicycle -- and his prized cycles and savings were targeted by thieves who preyed on him a year ago.

Prosecutor Howard Bentham QC said by then declining health had left Mr Baumanis frail, and struggling to walk aided by two umbrellas.

A concerned friend who had not seen him for some time raised the alarm.

Police found his body on September 27. It was in an advanced state of decomposition obscuring the cause of death, and any minor or significant internal or external injuries.

An expert thought he had been dead for over three weeks, and Mr Bentham said about September 10 the three men in the dock left the dead man's home.

Matthew McCarrick, 26, Leigh Road; Christopher Monks, 24, Siddow Common, and Joseph O'Rourke, 28, of York Street, all Leigh, admitted conspiring to burgle the dead man's home.

O'Rourke also admitted assaulting Mr Baumanis causing him bodily harm.

They were all formally acquitted of murdering Mr Baumanis -- which they denied -- because of evidential problems.

Mr Bentham said the Crown could not conclusively link a blow he had received with his death.

O'Rourke was ordered to be detained for seven years, McCarrick was jailed for five years, and Monks for four years.

Judge Sir Rhys Davies QC told them: "You took the view this house was a place ripe for plundering.

"You displayed a complete lack of concern, and an utter lack of regard for another human being in this conspiracy.

"Your conduct was born out of rapacity, and marked by callousness towards a very vulnerable and frail individual."

A fourth defendant, mother of two Catherine Clementson, 25, of Nangreave Street, Leigh, also admitted the conspiracy.

She will be sentenced in November after psychiatric reports have been prepared.

Earlier, Mr Bentham said McCarrick accepted entering the house in Lord Street, Leigh, three times before and three times after death.

Monks admitted only one unlawful entry. There was evidence the thieves stole six or seven bicycles, a TV and video, garden furniture, clothing and chocolate.

One witness, Wendy Parry, saw all three men hurrying away from the rear of the house on or about September 10.

She knew two of them, and she accepted an invitation to go into the house they said they had just left.

Monks had a torch, and in the unlit cellar she saw Mr Baumanis lying against the wall with his arms raised as if to protect his head.

Counsel added: "She says although he appeared unconscious, she could hear a quiet moaning sound. There was blood in his hair and speckles of it over his face."

She ran out of the house, and later Monks told her she should not say anything about the visit "or there will be trouble."

Two days after the body was found she gave a statement to police, and Mr Bentham said there was evidence O'Rourke had been boasting about "stealing from the old man by talking to him and then taking his money."