Westhoughton: Man broke into empty property as owner was in care

Gareth Wilson targeted the property  in Westhoughton along with a woman.

Bolton Crown Court heard he broke a patio door with a brick in order to secure entry.

Alison Mather, prosecuting, said: “The owner had gone into a care home.

“There is CCTV. It shows that at about 9am on December two people, one of whom is this defendant, enter at the rear of the property.

“There is a large patio made of glass.He threw a brick through the window.

“They entered the property and left shortly thereafter.”

A police officer viewed footage and recognised Wilson and he was arrested the following month.

When he was interviewed by police and asked what he was doing on the date in question he told them he had been with his mother and had no knowledge of the burglary.

The 36-year-old appeared in court to be sentenced after later admitting the burglary which took place in December 2021.

The court heard he had been convicted of burglary many times including in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

It also heard no items were taken from the property during the break in.

Read more: Police want to speak to this man after knife attack

Read more: Police outline crime fighting priorities

Read more: Cases recently dealt with by magistrates courts

Ben Sayers, defending, said he would be subject to the three strike rule meaning he would have to be sent to a minimum of three years with a discount given for his early guilty plea.

The Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Martin Walsh said: “Windows were smashed but nothing was stolen.

“Due to the guilty plea you entered you will be given a reduction.”

He sentenced him to 876 days imprisonment.

Wilson, from Bag Lane, Atherton, said "ta" as he left the video booth which linked him into the court.