Burglar left A&E then walked into care home’s buildings to steal items

A BUNGLING burglar stole a hi-vis jacket and record player from a care home after receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

Grahame Watson and his accomplice had attended Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital’s accident and emergency department, in Cramlington, one day in July 2020.

Having been discharged, the pair “stumbled” across the road to Astor Lodge Care Home and let themselves into some outbuildings, a court heard.

Watson and his pal then stole a hi-vis jacket and a record player and tried to leave the scene. But the foolish theft soon caught up with them as they were stopped nearby by the police and arrested.

Watson, of Esplanade, in Whitley Bay, previously appeared in the dock to plead not guilty to one count of burglary and one of entering a building with intent to steal and the case was listed for trial.

However, the career crook didn’t attend court for his trial and he was convicted in his absence and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He appeared in custody at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court this week but the case was further adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Sue Baker, prosecuting, said the offences happened at Astor Lodge Care Home on July 31, 2020.

Watson’s solicitor, Paul Dunn, said there was no planning involved.

“It’s a care home directly opposite NSEC hospital,” Mr Dunn continued.

“Mr Watson and [his accomplice] had been to A&E and they later left A&E. Mr Watson was in a deteriorating condition.”

He added: “I don’t think there was any planning. They stumbled across the road from the hospital to the care home and those items were taken from outbuildings.

“There’s no element of planning. They were apprehended by the police.”

Watson was given unconditional bail to next appear at the same court on January 12 for sentence.