Burglar risked an explosion at shop

A JUDGE told a convicted burglar who risked an explosion at a Bristol shop: “You are heading for jail. That is the overwhelming likelihood.”

Adrian Chivers appeared for sentence at Bristol Crown Court yesterday.

The 30-year-old, of Saltmarsh Drive in Lawrence Weston, pleaded guilty to burglary and damaging property being reckless as to whether life was endangered relating to an incident in May 2021.

After an application by Nicholas Lee, defending, Judge Julian Lambert acceded to a request to adjourn sentence pending a report regarding Chivers’ mental health. Sentence was adjourned until Friday, December 16.

The court heard that on May 5, 2021, a group of men tried to steal metal fencing outside The Gilmore convenience store in Birchwood Road, Brislington, but were challenged by the occupants. It was discovered that a section of gas pipe had been taken from the basement of the property, which caused a gas leak.

When the men left the scene in a van, empty-handed, one was heard to say: “Now we’ve given your stuff back don’t take down our registration number.” Police were called in and tracked down the van and found Chivers driving it.

The judge gave leave for a mental health report on Chivers, to investigate possible conditions. But he told Chivers: “Don’t come back thinking you’re heading for community service or probation. You are heading for jail. That is the overwhelming likelihood. Make sure you behave yourself in the interim.”

For reasons that were unclear the case was held up in the criminal justice system. The judge said delay in the case “beggars belief”.