CHOC THIEF FACES JAIL
A hungry burglar who helped himself to £1 worth of chocolate from a fridge during a flat raid is facing three years behind bars.
Ricky Elliott took the chance to pocket three Terry’s chocolate orange bars, after sipping from a drink in the kitchen, during a breakin at Norfolk Street, Sunderland, in July.
The 40-year-old, who has more than 150 previous convictions, was seen inside the premises by the frightened householder, who told police: “I felt in danger”.
Prosecutor Neil Pallister told Newcastle Crown Court: “He heard the offender leaving by the front door.
“He went to the kitchen and checked the fridge and realised chocolate bars valued at £1 had been stolen.”
Elliott, who left the scene on a bike, was arrested nearby.Mr Pallister told the court: “He was found to be in possession of the three bars of chocolate which had been stolen.”
Elliott, of Rawmarsh Road, Red House, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to burglary. He also admitted a burglary of a purse and contents from an office he sneaked into at Sunderland University’s Edinburgh Buildings the month before.
The court heard because of his bad criminal record, which includes a number of house burglaries, Elliott faces a three year minimum jail term under the “three strikes” rule for persistent burglars.
Barry Robson, defending, said the three year minimum term may be unjust in Elliott’s case, as he is becoming “institutionalised” as a result of the repeated prison sentences he has served and is in need of intervention.
Mr Robson said the burgled flat already had an insecure door and Elliott caused no damage to get in.
Judge Robert Adams adjourned the case for six months and said Elliott will be back in court in April, but in the meantime must prove he can commit no further offences, comply with current court orders and seek help for his mental health problems.
“He was found to be in possession of the three chocolate bars” NEIL PALLISTER