Family’s agony after ashes stolen in raid
BURGLAR CAUGHT AFTER LEAVING HIS BLOOD AT SCENE OF ONE BREAK-IN
A WOMAN was left devastated after her father-in-law’s ashes were stolen during a burglary.
She told a court of the upset the theft caused as the man responsible – Anthony Sheffield – appeared in the dock.
The 51-year-old also stole three sets of golf clubs, two TVs, a laptop, a keyboard, perfume and jewellery from the woman’s Rochdale home.
Manchester Crown Court heard the woman left her home five days before Christmas in 2018 but later received a worried call from a friend.
Someone had broken in through the French doors and a number of ‘sentimental and expensive’ items were taken – including her father-inlaw’s ashes.
“We have no idea what happened to our father-in-law’s ashes,” the woman told the court, via videolink.
“Whether he will be returned to us or be laid to rest with his wife is very upsetting to my husband and our family.”
Sheffield, who was being hunted by police after blood at the scene was DNA-matched, went on to commit another burglary, this time in Salford, with pal Vincent Middleton.
Police were tipped off by a member of the public who saw Sheffield using a spare key from under the front mat at the house in Eccles.
The men left empty-handed. Sheffield, of Falcon Drive, Irlam, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary; and one count of attempted burglary. He was jailed for three years.
Middleton, of Bridgewater Street, Eccles, pleaded guilty to one count of burglary.
He was given an 18-month community order.
Referring to the Rochdale burglary, prosecutor Bob Sastry told the court: “The amount of damage and theft came to £10,000 – this included damage to the French doors, and interior bespoke door and the upstairs bathroom.”
The victim told the court: “Some jewellery was given to me by my aunt and has sentimental value that cannot be replaced. “This has caused a great deal of unhappiness in my family.”
In mitigation for Sheffield, Ronan Maguire said: “He deeply regrets the anguish this has obviously caused to this family. “There is a genuine expression of remorse.
“He has had a lifelong struggle with alcohol and illegal drugs.
“He doesn’t recall the events that led to the committing of the offence.”
Mitigating for Middleton, Lucy Wright said her client was in a different position as he was not involved in the more serious of the two burglaries.
“He is incredibly remorseful for his offending, not least for the inevitable distress caused to the home occupier, but also as this is his first time before the court since 2003,” Ms Wright said.
Sentencing Sheffield, Recorder Mary Loram QC said: “I hope you are thoroughly ashamed of yourself.”
We have no idea what happened to our fatherin-law’s ashes Victim of Anthony Sheffield’s burglary