Newcastle Burglar Caught Red-Handed

A Newcastle burglar has been caught red-handed as the manager of the pub he broke into watched on CCTV.

Non-dwelling burglary, as in this case, is an offence under section 9 of the Theft Act 1968. It is triable either way and has a maximum sentence of 26 weeks' custody on summary conviction or 10 years' custody on conviction on indictment.

Mark Kilgallon, 35, of no fixed abode, admitted one charge of burglary when he appeared in custody at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 31st March 2020.

District Judge Sarah Griffiths heard that the career crook, who had been released from prison only three days earlier, broke into Butler's Bar in Newcastle city centre during the early evening of Monday, 30th March 2020.

Kilgallon unsuccessfully tried to force open a door into the premises, but eventually reverted to smashing his way through a window instead. The pub's manager was alerted by an alarm and tuned in remotely to watch the burglary unfold on CCTV.

Paul Doney, prosecuting, said: "The defendant goes behind the bar. He then goes into a room and tips out the contents of a handbag on the counter. The handbag was lost property and waiting to be claimed.

"He then opens a silver suitcase containing DJ equipment. He's then seen with a laptop and a staff member's guitar."

The manager made an emergency call to the police, who entered the premises and found Kilgallon hiding behind the bar.

He was arrested and taken to the police station, where he was found to be in possession of two mobile phones, which had been taken from the pub.

Andy O'Hanlon, mitigating, said: "He felt he'd just been left to wonder the streets, which in this difficult time, he found difficult.

"He didn't have anywhere to go and he acted in desperation. He is sorry for committing the offence."

Kilgallon has 21 previous convictions for burglary, so the sincerity of his apology is perhaps questionable.

Judge Griffiths, sentencing, said: "You're a prolific burglar - there's no other way of putting it.

"There's absolutely no excuse for what you have done. You have taken the opportunity you have seen, knowing the town centres are quiet because people are staying at home and knowing bars and buildings have been shut because of Covid-19 .

"You have seized the opportunity to get some financial reward for yourself because that's what you do - you're a burglar. But, on this occasion, you have been caught red-handed."

Kilgannon was sentenced to 26 weeks' custody.

Criminals should not be under the illusion that the current coronavirus "lock down" provides any sort of cover to commit offences.