A prolific burglar sneaked into a Newcastle flat while the occupant slept and made off with ear phones and loose change. Kerrie O'Neil took the opportunity that the victim had left the front door to his address unlocked and crept inside looking for things to steal.
A court heard that the sleeping victim woke up and saw the 39-year-old standing in his kitchen causing him to shout out. O'Neil fled the property but was later spotted in the communal area of the block of flats carrying the ear phones, which belonged to the victim.
Arrest and court appearance
The police were called and O'Neil, of Prinn Place, in Sunniside, Gateshead, was arrested. She is now facing a possible stint behind bars after she pleaded guilty to one count of burglary of a dwelling during a hearing at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Clare Haswell, prosecuting, said the victim was in his flat in Bewick Court, in Newcastle City Centre, on November 25 last year and had fallen asleep whilst leaving his front door unlocked. Miss Haswell continued: "He woke up in the early hours and saw a female with her back turned to him in the kitchen."
"He shouted at her and she left the flat and went down the stairwell. The victim returned to the flat and noticed some ear phones had been taken and a pot containing spare change."
Victim spots stolen goods
The value of the stolen goods was between £100 - £150. Around 20 minutes later, the victim received a call from the flat intercom. He went down stairs to see who was responsible for ringing the buzzer.
"On the way down, he saw several people and recognised the female who had earlier been in his flat. He could see that she was in possession of the ear phones."
The court heard that the police were called and O'Neil was arrested a few days later on Shields Road, in Byker. Ben Hurst, defending, said O'Neil was reliant on prescription drugs and alcohol at the time.
Defence and next steps
Mr Hurst added: "She is now clean of drink and drugs. She's not on any court orders. I agree that the offence has passed the custody threshold but the sentence can be suspended."
Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and released O'Neil on unconditional bail to next appear back at the same court later this month.
