Gateshead burglar sneaked into hotel and made off with cash and personal items
by Sara Nichol · ChronicleLiveA burglar sneaked into a hotel to "use the toilet" but ended up stealing cash and personal items from the staff room.
Homeless Daniel Gregory helped himself to the goods when he saw the duty manager at the Maldron Hotel, in Newcastle city centre, had momentarily left the room. A court heard that the 33-year-old made off with cash from the till and a jacket, which contained AirPods, aftershave, keys and a provisional driving licence.
However, the hapless crook, who is well-known to the police, was easily identified when officers viewed CCTV footage. Gregory, of Bensham Court, in Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court in custody this week to pleaded guilty to one count of burglary of a non-dwelling.
Prosecutor, James Long, said the duty manager at the Maldron Hotel was at work on October 28 this year when, at 5am, he decided to leave his office. Mr Long continued: "He comes back and notices the till has been emptied and his coat has been stolen.
"Within the coat was an AirPod, aftershave, keys and his provisional licence. In due course, police view CCTV and identify the defendant as being the person responsible.
"When interviewed under caution, the defendant said he had entered the hotel to use the toilet as he was homeless. He saw the manager leaving the office and admitted going in and taking the items."
Michael Crowe, defending, said Gregory was homeless at the time and leading a chaotic lifestyle after splitting up with his long-term partner. Mr Crowe added: "He's had issues with accommodation and he's had issues with crack cocaine. He has been in prison on occasions and, every time he is released, he's back on the streets and the cycle starts again."
Jailing Gregory for four months, District Judge Kate Meek said: "Ordinarily, I would impose a community order, however, your previous convictions are significant and aggravate this offence and you were subject to licence at the time.
"I'm satisfied that all that aggravates it so much that a custodial sentence can be imposed."
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