Joggers help police catch house burglar in Porthill
A BURGLAR caught moments after stealing hundreds of pounds and a TV from a house has been jailed for two years.
Mark Ibbs, who has an appalling criminal record with 40 previous convictions for 224 offences, forced his way into a semi-detached house while the retired householders were out.
But suspicious joggers spotted Ibbs in the act and called the police.
Officers arrived to find Ibbs nearby carrying a television, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard yesterday.
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Prosecutor Neil Ahuja said the residents had left their home in Clare Avenue, Porthill, at 5.45pm on October 5.
But two hours later, at 7.50pm, two joggers saw a man acting suspiciously in the doorway.
"They then heard a loud cracking noise," said Mr Ahuja.
"They saw the door was open and the man left the house. They later saw him wearing a hoodie with the hood up. They went round the corner to call the police. They flagged down the police car and directed officers to the house.
"Police saw the defendant in some bushes near some grass. He was stopped and challenged, carrying a TV set. He said he had just found that in the bushes."
The court heard Ibbs was also found with £400 cash, sheepskin gloves and a gold ring.
Mr Ahuja said: "All the property transpired to come from the burgled premises. The front door was damaged and forced and there had been a very untidy search."
Ibbs, aged 39, of Albert Street, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to burglary.
Kevin Mortlock, mitigating, conceded Ibbs's record aggravated the offence, but said his last conviction for burglary was more than 10 years ago.
He added that the defendant was apologetic.
Jailing Ibbs for two years, Judge Paul Glenn said: "You have an appalling record of offending from the age of 11.
"In May this year you received an 18 month sentence and were released on September 27, just eight days before this burglary, and the sentence is not to expire until July 2013. The fact you were on licence is a serious aggravating feature.
"You were caught pretty much red-handed. The evidence against you was overwhelming. You broke into the house while the occupiers were out by forcing the front door. Burglaries are offences against the person, not just property. It was premeditated. The search was untidy, but fell short of ransacking."
Comments
by warren-lloyd
Thursday, December 13 2012, 6:07PM
“The only thing that would do is make hus backside red and give him something brag about Dougal10 years inside might just prove to him he's not on the right path in life.”
by dougalcross
Thursday, December 13 2012, 5:42PM
“Does anyone think a couple of licks of the cane might have helped this guy?”
by spudder56
Thursday, December 13 2012, 1:04PM
“by BucknallMelThursday, December 13 2012, 12:42PM
"Two years. He still has 12 months of his last one to do, by my reckoning, since he was on license after only 4 months - will that be added on top? Nope, didn't think so. See you back in court in 6 months, Ibbs. By the way, do you think if we set up a petition we could get 'Judge' Paul Glenn sectioned as a danger to the public?"
I AGREE WITH YOU MEL”
by warren-lloyd
Thursday, December 13 2012, 1:02PM
“I don't mind Potheads, got a few mates who like a bit of the wacky backie, they don't go on the rob like this utter scumbag.”
by BucknallMel
Thursday, December 13 2012, 12:42PM
“Two years. He still has 12 months of his last one to do, by my reckoning, since he was on license after only 4 months - will that be added on top? Nope, didn't think so. See you back in court in 6 months, Ibbs. By the way, do you think if we set up a petition we could get 'Judge' Paul Glenn sectioned as a danger to the public?”
by Havark
Thursday, December 13 2012, 11:57AM
“The reason he got out after 4 months is because the government only want to lock up "Potheads" and need to free up space.
It really is broken isnt it...”
by warren-lloyd
Thursday, December 13 2012, 11:37AM
“Jesus, just melt the dammed key, how can he get 18 month and do 4, come out and do this 8 days after getting out. The justice systems well and truly broken.”
by stokeandvale
Thursday, December 13 2012, 10:58AM
“In May this year he received an 18 month sentence and was released on September 27.
4 Months he did?”
by spudder56
Thursday, December 13 2012, 10:25AM
“oxygen thief !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”