Burglar who broke neck spared prison
A burglar who broke his neck and was left in a coma when he fell 18ft while escaping a club raid has been spared jail.
Karl Hogg also broke his arms and legs and suffered an extensive head injury, was in intensive care for a week and spent more than a month in hospital after falling from a first-floor window at Houghton Snooker Club, on Christmas Day.
A judge at Newcastle Crown Court has said he has “no sympathy” for the serial criminal’s painful plight.
The 27-year-old had been found lying on the ground in a pool of blood with a “substantial head injury” outside the club, where £800 cash had been taken from gaming machines and £3,000 damage had been caused.
Hogg, of Baker Street, Houghton, was not carrying any money when he was found and it is believed others may have been involved in the raid. Mr Recorder Nigel Sangster, QC, told him: “I must say, I have no sympathy for you and the injuries you sustained during the escape from that burglary and falling from the window.”
Hogg, who has 30 previous convictions, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with rehabilitation and programme requirements after pleading guilty to burglary.
The judge added “I am go- ing to give you a chance” after hearing Hogg now wants to lead a decent life as a good partner and father.
Julie Clemitson, defending, said Hogg had spent Christmas Day with his partner and child at his mother’s house, but has “no recollection whatsoever” of the break-in.
She said: “He has no idea how he ended up involved in this, but the direct consequences have been profound. The punishment sustained as a result of his own actions has been considerable.
“The pain and suffering he has undergone, and continues to undergo, is a constant reminder of the poor choice he made that day.
“How he didn’t kill himself is staggering, given the level of injury he sustained.”
His arms were broken in multiple places, both kneecaps were broken, his neck was broken in two places and he was in coma due to the severe head injury.
Hogg, who has set up his own website business, had a cocaine habit at the time and was desperate for cash.
He showed no signs of the extensive injuries he suffered when he walked in and out of court.