Thief stole cash and electronics in sneaky raid
LAPTOP, TV AND GAMES CONSOLE ALL TAKEN FROM HOST’S HOME
A CRUEL crook helped himself to more than £1,400 of a man’s belongings after being invited into his home for a drink.
Alex Riley and a woman went back to the victim’s house, in Byker, to continue socialising following a night out in Newcastle but the pair shamelessly took advantage of his hospitality.
A court heard that, while the male was asleep, Riley and the female sneakily picked up his TV, laptop, games consoles, wallet and cash before fleeing.
When the victim awoke and realised what had happened he reported the matter to the police.
Riley might have got away his crime had he not been arrested at his address for a separate matter and some of the stolen goods were discovered. The 29-year-old, of George’s Road, in Walker, was arrested and pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor, Emma O’hegarty, said the victim had been on a night out in Newcastle on March 28 this year.
She added: “He remembers drinking alcohol then waking up the following morning in his flat with numerous items of property missing, including a TV, laptop, a games console and a wallet containing cash.”
The court heard that the victim immediately called the police but, prior to the report being made, Riley had already been arrested for other matters.
Mrs O’hegarty continued: “While at his address, officers discovered the TV and laptop and games console, which were recovered. Enquiries led police to believe they were the ones stolen from the victim’s property.”
Magistrates were told that CCTV showed Riley and an unknown female return with the victim to his home in the early hours following the night out. A few hours later, they were captured on camera leaving the property with the stolen goods.
All the items were recovered except for the cash and two mobile phones.
Ruth Foster, defending, said Riley, who has 44 convictions to his name, was drunk and struggling financially.
Mrs Foster added: “Mr Riley had been drinking in town with others and ended up at the injured party’s address and continued drinking for a couple of hours. As a result of being under the influence of alcohol, he was not thinking clearly and decided to take the items as has been listed. He denies taking the mobile phones.”
Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and released Riley on unconditional bail to appear back before the same court next Monday.