Bolton: Would-be thief who left victim ‘profoundly scared’ sentenced

Via a video link at Bolton Crown Court, prosecutor Ben Berkson described how Gaynor Crompton had tried to break into a home on Chip Hill Road to steal during the night on August 1, but that she was unsuccessful.

Mr Berkson said Crompton, of Eldercot Road, Bolton, had been under the influence of drugs or drink and young children had been at the property at the time of the incident.

Crompton appeared via video link from HMP Styal (Image: Google)

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In a statement, the victim said the incident would "stay with me", adding that it was her ‘worst fear, someone entering my home at night while my daughter and stepson are sleeping".

Just two nights later, Crompton tried to steal again – this time at a home on Westbrook Court.

The court heard how the victim had noticed activity in an outhouse building, before finding Crompton inside "rifling through her possessions" while under the influence of drugs.

Upon checking Ring doorbell footage, the victim saw the defendant had tried her door before going to the outhouse – with the incident leaving the victim now feeling "violated and unsafe" at her home.

At interview, Crompton "gave an incoherent account", where she said that she went to the property to look for crack cocaine, the court heard.

According to prosecutors, mental health concerns were raised at interview, despite Crompton being unrepresented.

The 51-year-old, who appeared via video link from HMP Styal, was sentenced on Wednesday, February 7.

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Speaking with defence barrister Peter Malone, judge Abigail Hudson concluded that Crompton would "benefit from post-sentence supervision".

Summing up, Judge Hudson told Crompton that the incidents were "very serious offences", which had "profoundly scared" the first home occupier and caused "significant shock" to the second victim.

Judge Hudson said the offences were exacerbated by the presence of young children in the house, and the fact they were committed at night and under the influence.

She added that Crompton was "evidently profoundly mentally unwell at that time", and was "to a great extent psychotic", with her lifestyle described as having been "profoundly chaotic for many years" including the consumption of drugs.

Judge Hudson added that she was "very concerned" that Crompton had "little insight" into her mental health issues, and raised concerns she would relapse upon release.

She added: “It is 10 years since you appeared before the court last, and I see from your pre-sentence report that you are very remorseful to be in this position again.

“I fear that unless you cooperate with the medication that has been prescribed for you, you may be here again.”

Crompton was sentenced to 10 months in prison for two counts of "burglary - dwelling with intent to steal", but was told that, as she had already served more than half her sentence, she would be eligible for immediate release, to remain on licence for one year.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.