Men jailed after burglary at home of Middlesbrough pensioner

Kirk Scotland, 39, and Brian Crutchley, 33, barged into the property in Middlesbrough town centre on September 17, 2023, armed with weapons, including a hammer.

After forcing entry to the property, the two men threatened the terrified pensioner, held him down and searched through his wallet and pockets before stealing items of furniture.

Kirk Scotland (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

Days later, on September 23, 2023, the pair returned to the property and let themselves in with a key that was stolen.

Whilst inside the property, they again went through the victim’s pockets before fleeing the scene.

The incidents were reported to Cleveland Police and Middlesbrough CID launched an investigation, which led to the arrests of Scotland and Crutchley.

Brian Crutchley (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

Scotland, from Middlesbrough, and Crutchley, from Hartlepool, were both charged with burglary and robbery.

Kirk Scotland pleaded guilty to the charges on March 25 this year.

Meanwhile, Brian Crutchley initially pleaded not guilty to both charges and was found guilty of burglary after a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

On Thursday, March 28, they both appeared at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing where Scotland was jailed for seven years and Crutchley was jailed for three years and four months.

Both Crutchley and Scotland were also issued with lifetime restraining orders to protect the victim.

Read more:

• Moment woman with rare spinal condition walks for first time after pioneering op

• Train disruption after person is hit by a train between Darlington and York

• North East NHS workers to extend strike for three days as pay dispute continues

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

Following sentencing, investigating officer PC Corey Gosling said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victim who showed an amazing amount of courage to attend court and give evidence.

“I hope the victim can take some comfort in the fact that Scotland and Crutchley are now serving their custodial sentences and are unable to cause harm to anyone else.

“This type of crime is extremely intrusive and we will continue to pursue those who are causing the most harm to our communities. If anyone would like to report an incident to us, please call 101 or report online via the Cleveland Police website.”