Burglars who raided star’s home jailed
THREE burglars have been jailed for a month-long burglary spree in Cheshire which included a raid at the home of Everton and Belgium star Romelu Lukaku.
Gareth Tomlinson, 29, ransacked the striker’s luxury pad while the footballer was away playing a Euro 2016 qualifier.
He even tried to tear down a projector in the star’s cinema room before fleeing in his car with a £500 TV and two game consoles worth £800.
Tomlinson, 29, of Warren Road, Shaw Heath was jailed for six years at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court after he admitted conspiracy to commit burglary.
Two accomplices were also caged for their part in the burglaries which saw them snatch designer bags, iPads, laptops and jewellery worth £75,000.
Carl White, 38, of Field Mews, Denton, was jailed for five-and-a-half years while Phillip Mulligan, 30, of Barnfield Road West, Stockport, was imprisoned for 21 months after they also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.
The trio admitted responsibility for five burglaries in Wilmslow and one attempted burglary in Cheadle between October 23 and November 14 of last year.
Tomlinson was involved in five of the incidents, White in all six and Mulligan in two.
The court heard how the gang targeted houses in affluent areas where they believed they could get their hands on ‘Asian gold’ – high value gold.
Their crime spree came to a halt when a police car spotted them near to where the fifth break-in had occurred. White, who was driving, panicked and crashed into another car.
They fled the scene and called a friend to pick them up but police eventually caught up with the gang and arrested all three.
Jailing the trio, Judge Timothy Mort said: “You stand before me for quite serious burglaries. In relation to the Premiership footballer, you carefully planned the burglary when it was common knowledge the footballer was on international duty.
“His vehicle was taken away and you had the wit to take it back as it would likely have tracking devices.”
The court heard a child had to sleep in the same bed as their parents after the family home was been targeted by the gang.
Judge Mort added: “You can appreciate if somebody broke into your house, you would feel your personal space has been invaded.
“You worry if it will happen again, are my children safe, what is that noise on the landing in the middle of the night? That’s how serious it is.”