‘Intoxicated’ thief was caught stealing from cars

Another said he was disturbed by the thought a criminal had been through his belongings and now felt a loss of trust with people.

Magistrates in South Tyneside heard Hackett was drunk when found by police with stolen goods after three quick car break-ins on Monday, July 1.

A partner-in-crime fled the scene on a motorbike and Hackett, who would not identify him, was left to carry the can, the court was told.

He pleaded guilty to a charge sheet of stealing a purple torch from a 63-plate Hyundai belonging to a woman, and taking a £100 pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses from an 18-reg Hyundai Tuscan belonging to a man

He also confessed to stealing a denim jacket and grey hoody from a 61-plate Hyundai, owned by a female student.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson said a police officer found Hackett carrying a backpack containing items identified by the victims as being from the break-ins.Peter Thubron, defending Hackett, who has no previous convictions, said: “There is no excuse, but he was well intoxicated.

“Someone less intoxicated has jumped on a bike and got away.

“He doesn’t know why he got into this situation. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t agreed.

“For some reason, his mate must have had an idea. He’s ended up in difficulties.”

Mr Thubron said it was possible Hackett would not get future work through the agency which employs him, adding: “One wonders if he will be kept on, a convicted thief.”

Hackett, who pleaded guilty to three charges of theft from a motor vehicle, was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £210 compensation to the first woman and £95 to the female student.

He must also pay £85 court costs and a £21 victim surcharge.