An 18-year-old masked burglar who targeted homes in Gateshead while occupants were inside is facing jail after admitting a series of offences. Jack Warner, of Lancefield Avenue in Walker, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary of a dwelling, two attempted burglaries of a dwelling and theft of a motor vehicle.
Daytime raid and overnight car theft
The first burglary took place on August 8 at a home in Wagtail Gardens, Ryton, in broad daylight. Warner and his accomplices wore balaclavas or masks and took a number of items of unknown value before being disturbed by the occupant.
On September 22, during the hours of darkness, the group tried the doors of houses on Grayling Way and Bishops Drive, also in Ryton, before successfully gaining entry to a property on Conway Close. There, they grabbed a set of car keys and made off with a £16,000 car, prosecutors said.
Confrontation with homeowner
The court heard that Warner was confronted by the terrified owner of another property during the crime spree. His defence solicitor, Gregg Stephens, said Warner had pleaded guilty, acknowledged the seriousness of his offending and was remorseful.
Mr Stephens added: "These offences occurred in Ryton. He grew up in that area and he's got old associates there and he had been knocking around with some wrong'uns and they have taken him out when they have been up to no good."
"The most serious part is the confrontation with the lady in the house. That was not him directly. He slams the door and runs away. It was another lad who confronted her, he didn't see her face-to-face."
Case sent to Crown Court
At Newcastle Magistrates' Court, District Judge Paul Currer said: "One burglary occurs in the daytime and the defendant and others enter a property wearing face masks and steal from there."
"The other burglary happens overnight and car keys and a car are taken. The two attempted burglaries are also overnight where the defendant and others try door handles to get into properties."
Sending the case to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence, District Judge Currer said: "I know you're only 18 years old and your birthday was just in May but these offences are exceptionally serious. Going into someone's house and stealing car keys to take their car and committing more than one offence, in my judgement, has a starting point for sentence, which is outside of this court's sentencing powers."
Warner was released on bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on November 17.
