A burglar who left an autistic youngster devastated when he broke into his home and stole some of the boy's computer games as well as cash and groceries has been locked up.
Nathan McManus forced his way into the family home on Norton Road, Stockton, in the early hours of August 4 this year before stealing the games, bacon, cheese, washing up liquid, and two bags.
Teesside Crown Court heard how one of the bags contained the victim’s purse with £140 in cash and her driving licence inside.
Cainan Lonsdale, prosecuting, said McManus was traced after a tattoo shop worker recovered the stolen bags and returned them to the woman before police were able to retrace the defendant’s steps with CCTV footage.
Read next: Thug left foot imprint on victim's face when his 'dog told him of attack' on pet
He said the cash and games were never recovered following the burglary and the victim’s son had been left upset and anxious as a result.
The court heard how the defendant has 37 convictions for 81 previous offences.
McManus, of Corfe Crescent, Billingham, pleaded guilty to burglary when he appeared at magistrates’ court.
Paul Green, mitigating, said his client had struggled with mental health problems and urged the judge to spare the 26-year-old from immediate custody.
He added: “He is still a young man and still has the possibility to be able to move his life forward.”
Recorder Ayesha Smart told the defendant that custody was inevitable as he had failed to work with the probation service during previous sentences.
Read more:
- Machete-wielding man caught on CCTV chasing member of balaclava-clad gang
- Suspected courier fraudsters arrested on the way to pick up £4,500 in cash
- Killers, burglars and violent thugs were locked up at Teesside Crown Court
Get all the latest crime and court updates, for less than the price of a coffee, with a Premium Plus digital subscription to The Northern Echo. Click here
“You have a horrific record for someone who is only 26,” she said. “I accept that you indicated your guilty plea at the lower court and will give you full credit for that.
“During the night the victim was in her home with her autistic son and had locked the doors and windows before going to bed.
“You entered that house through a window and stole the items that you did.”
McManus was jailed for two years.
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