Burglar with ‘atrocious’ 67 convictions escapes jail term

A PROLIFIC burglar who racked up 67 convictions in 20 years has avoided jail for his latest raid – because he is addicted to drugs.

Paul Keogh clambered a fence at Saltley Auto Breakers and stole a BMW worth £746.

But the 47-year-old, who has an ‘atrocious’ criminal record, claimed he has never benefited from a drug rehabilitation programme because the last time he was due to receive one he was thrown back in prison first. However, he has now been given a chance to tackle his addiction.

Keogh has 67 convictions for 149 offences including 30 for burglary between 1999 and 2019.

Keogh, of no fixed address, admitted burglary, taking a vehicle without consent, driving without a licence and without insurance.

At Birmingham Crown Court he was sentenced to 16 months jail suspended for 21 months with a number of requirements.

He broke into the auto breakers at Crawford Street, Saltley, in June.

Prosecutor Richard Davenport said: “Once inside he gained access to a building and found a set of keys to a silver BMW. The following day police spotted him driving it and he was arrested.”

Nicholas Berry, defending, said: “He received a drug rehabilitation requirement in 2017 but within four months he was back in prison for an offence committed before the drug rehabilitation order. He tells me he has not actually ever had the benefit of it. This is an individual with an atrocious record.”

Judge Roderick Henderson said was prepared to sentence Keogh to prison but reconsidered after hearing his mitigation. “You know better than anyone if you muck it up you will be back inside,” he said.