Burglars handed short, sharp sentences
TWO young men who went on a burgling spree after drinking were given a short sentence at Norwich Crown Court on Friday because of their previous good character.
Ben Barham (21), of Oak Bungalow, Oxborough Road, Stoke Ferry and Stuart Geddes-Green (19), of Cromwell Road, Weeting, both admitted burglary at a workshop in Methwold, burglaries at two newly-built homes in the village and stealing hand rails worth 100 each.
The items taken and damage caused amounted to more than 21,000 the court was told.
Judge Paul Downes sentenced Barham, a bricklayer, to four months in prison and Geddes-Green, a plumber, to four months in a young offenders' institution.
"You both must have been totally mad. Courts take a dim view of burglaries," he told them.
The pair stole 10,000 of specialist tools from the workshop and 400 of copper piping.
They also broke into a house and stole a TV, computer and mobile phone and 350 of damage was caused by forcing the windows.
Barham left traces of blood at the scene.
Douglas Mackay, prosecuting, told the court the van was found burnt out in nearby woods and some of the stolen tools were recovered.
When interviewed by police, Barham said he had too much to drink while Geddes-Green said he had panicked and driven the van away, but denied setting it on fire.
"This was a sustained piece of bad behaviour.
"There is also an odd element of some organisation. Because you are of previous good behaviour and are employed, I am keeping the sentence as short as possible," said Judge Downes.
Michael Procter, for Barham said his client was drunk at the time and he was very sorry and ashamed of what had happened.
Barham had been drinking for some time as his 26-year-old brother had died suddenly in April and he went into a period of grief.
"He has gone off the rails due to a series of emotional episodes," said Mr Procter.
Alison Ginn, for Geddes-Green, said: "People who know him are shocked over him committing these offences. He is involved in work in kitchens and plumbing. He has always been found to be honest and reliable.
"He is largely responsible for paying the mortgage as his partner works as a carer, it is almost inexplicable why he did this. He is ashamed and sorry for what he has done. He has jeopardised his whole future and employment."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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