Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh was left baffled by what she called the 'worst burglary attempt of all time' after a clumsy thief's failed escape was caught on CCTV. The incident occurred at a petrol station in Ouston, County Durham, in the early hours of October 21.
Andrew Pickering, 50, of Marx Crescent, Stanley, entered the service station by creating a hole in the ceiling. He caused approximately £3,219 worth of loss and damage while looting the shop. However, his getaway proved far from straightforward.
Attempting to exit via the same hole, Pickering fell from the ceiling four times before eventually opting to leave through a door. Durham Police, who released the footage, jokingly described his efforts as 'inspirational'. A forensic examination found a significant amount of blood at the scene, later confirmed to be Pickering's.
Pickering was charged with two counts of burglary and sentenced to 12 months in prison at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court. An accomplice, Daniel Reay, 46, of no fixed abode, received a community order requiring alcohol treatment and rehabilitation activities.
The CCTV footage, shared on social media by Durham Constabulary, drew amused reactions from viewers. One Facebook user commented: 'Congrats to the interviewers, prosecutors and the jury for not breaking out laughing.'
