Persistent Middlesbrough burglar jailed for three years

Carl Crozier qualified for the mandatory three-strikes burglary sentence after he broke into a house and stole a number items, including an iPhone.

The 35-year-old, who was aided by two teenage accomplices, was traced by the householder after being shown an image from a CCTV doorbell, which the defendant also stole.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Crozier targeted the house on Douglas Street, Middlesbrough, in the early hours of March 3.

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Emma Atkinson, prosecuting, said the defendant found the house keys in the victim's unlocked car and used them to let himself into the property, along with one of the accompanying teenagers.

She said: "One of the properties was found to have a CCTV doorbell, worth £150, he forced it off the door when he realised that it was recording what they were doing.

"The went to another house, where the owner was asleep at the time, in a quiet residential area. The owner's car was parked outside, insecure, and inside were the keys to his property and these were used to get into the property."

Carl Crozier

Miss Atkinson said Crozier and another stolen a number of items, including an iPhone and knives, before being disturbed by the homeowner who chased them off before stopping the pursuit when one of them dropped some knives and he feared for his own safety.

The householder managed to trace Crozier and recover some of his stolen items before the remainder were recovered when the two teenagers were arrested.

Miss Atkinson said inquiries were ongoing in respect of the two teenagers.

In a victim personal statement, the man said the burglary had left him 'feeling on edge' in case they returned to his property, especially after Crozier was carrying a knife.

The court heard how the defendant had 37 convictions for 72 offences, including several for burglary where he had already served lengthy sentences.

Crozier, of Stamford Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft of the CCTV camera.

Paul Green, in mitigation, said his client expected a significant period in custody after re-offending when he started taking drugs again.

He added: "He knows he has made a stupid mistake by taking drugs again after things were going very well for him."

Mr Green added that the defendant accepted he was heavily under the influence of drugs at the time.

Judge Recorder Ian Mullarkey sentenced Crozier to three years in custody.

He said: "You are a habitual burglar and this was a serious offence t night, in an occupied premises, and it was planned to some extent."