A prolific criminal is back behind bars after going on a burglary and theft spree in Darlington.
Lee Geldart knocked over the pensioner whose home he burgled when he jumped behind the wheel of her car and drove off after stealing the keys.
Teesside Crown Court heard how the woman suffered no injuries as a result but had been left traumatised by the burglary of her home.
Tabitha Buck, prosecuting, said the 48-year-old’s latest crime spree started on April 12 when he stole food, candles and shopping basket from the One Stop Shop, a theft of £1,000 worth of DeWalt tools from a car on April 14.
On April 20 he stole Grenade Bars and Alcohol from the Blackwell Post Office and on the same day he carried out the burglary on Grangeside, Darlington.
Read more: Cocaine-addled driver killed 15-year-old friend in fatal crash in Land Rover
Miss Buck said the defendant also pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance after stealing the victim’s car.
His last offence took place between April 27 and May 5 when he was caught with a handbag and purse stolen during a burglary.
The court heard how the burglary had left the pensioner upset after Geldart stole a number of sentimental items, including an engagement ring from her husband who had passed away.
She said: “Since the incident I am very conscious of being on my own in my house, my garden and when I am out driving my replacement car.”
Geldart, of Dinsdale Court, Darlington, pleaded guilty to all offences.
The court heard how he had 39 convictions for 100 offences, including charges of burglary and theft, and was serving two suspended sentences at the time of the latest offences.
Andrew Stranex, in mitigation, said his client had a longstanding drug addiction and was very upset about his latest offending.
He said: “When he realised who was the owner of the house and he panicked and drove off like he did, he has been wracked with remorse since he committed that offence.”
Geldart, who sobbed at times during the hearing, was jailed for three years and four months for all charges.
Judge Peter Armstrong said: “You had stolen jewellery, a mobile phone and her car keys, and when you left you took her car and drove off, accidentally knocking into her, fortunately she was not seriously injured.”
Read next:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel