Wheelchair using burglar targeted Middlesbrough bar with pal

Michael Flanagan was caught on CCTV dragging himself around the floor inside Spensley’s Emporium while Sam Puckrin was seen to wandering around with stolen bottle of alcohol.

Teesside Crown Court heard how a third alleged accomplice is due to stand trial at a later date following the burglary on October 13, 2021.

The pair also admitted burgling a house in Middlesbrough where Puckrin forced entry and ransacked the property while Flanagan remained outside the property on Tennyson Street before loading his wheelchair with stolen goods.

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Emma Atkinson, prosecuting, said the victims of the house burglary on August 8, 2020, were left devastated by the loss of £3,000 worth of goods and items of sentimental value.

She said Flanagan was seen shouting directions, and drinking, as he and two other men went through the boxes of shoes, handbags, and electronic goods that were stolen.

Puckrin, of Letitia Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to burglary of a dwelling and burglary of a commercial premises.

Robert Mochrie, representing the 44-year-old, said his client had been benefiting from his ‘enforced sobriety’ while on remand.

Michael Flanagan (Image: Cleveland Police)

While Flanagan, who now lives in London, pleaded guilty to the same two charges as well as assault on an emergency worker, possession of cannabis and a bail act offence.

The court heard that Flanagan became involved in an altercation with a police officer, on November 9, 2020, when the officer was leaving Middlesbrough police station and he saw him ‘kicking out at a stationary car’.

Flanagan became aggressive and as the officer got hold of his wheelchair – he hit him in the face and pulled his mask off. He was later found with a small amount of cannabis.

Emma Williams, on behalf of the 50-year-old, said her client was finally beginning to understand that he needed to stop committing offences.

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Recorder Marco Giuliani said: “Mr Puckrin, you gained entry to the house by breaking a window. This offending was devastating for the victims. The country was in lockdown, and you were out and about burgling.

Sam Puckrin (Image: Cleveland Police)

"You both committed another burglary at Spensley's Emporium. You, Mr Flanagan were captured rolling around on the floor, carrying a bottle."

Puckrin was jailed for two years while his co-accused Flanagan was locked up for two years and 11 months.