Two men who broke into a bereaved family's home on the day of their loved one's funeral have been sentenced to three years in prison for the 'despicable' burglary.
Brian Warburton, a much-loved and respected member of his community, ran Cross Keys Chippy in Hindley with his partner Denise before he sadly passed away in late May 2026 whilst he was waiting for a lung transplant.
On the day of Brian's funeral, Friday (June 26), two men broke into the chippy and completely ransacked the home upstairs.
Items stolen during the burglary
They stole £5,000, morphine and ten old mobile phones full of images of Brian and the family during happier times. The phones also contained images of Denise's son, a serving soldier who had been sadly killed.
Now, the two men, Lee Edwards, 52, of The Green, Norley Hall, Wigan, and Craig Forshaw, 51, of Breccia Gardens, St Helens, have been sent to prison for the 'despicable' burglary.
Edwards was sentenced to 18 months and Forshaw was sentenced to 18 months at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday (September 25).
Family's trauma and statement
Brian's partner Denise said: “Brian was the sort of person who left an impression on people. He mattered to people. He was loved. I nursed Brian through his final days. I cared for him, comforted him, held his hand and stayed beside him through the most frightening and heartbreaking time imaginable. That home was our sanctuary.
“They chose the day of Brian's funeral. They chose the one day they knew we would all be gone. They chose the one day when we would be at our most vulnerable.
“They walked through the rooms where Brian had spent the final days of his life. They went through his belongings. They ransacked the place where I had cared for him. They invaded the home where Brian had taken his final breaths.
“His funeral should have been one of the most meaningful and sacred days of our lives. Instead, because of their actions, it became one of the most traumatic.”
She continued: “[The phones taken] were not simply phones. They contained photographs, videos, recordings and memories of my beloved son, who was tragically killed. My son was a serving soldier. He was also my only child. Those words are very difficult for me to say. My only child.
“They did not just take things. They took memories. They took security. They took peace. And, for me, they took pieces of the two people I loved most. That is something I will never be able to replace.”
Police response and impact
Constable Richard Kelsall of Wigan's Neighbourhood Crime Team said: “Edwards and Forshaw committed a despicable act at a time when a family was at their most vulnerable. On a day which should have been focused on celebrating Brian's life, their memories are now tarnished forever by this crime.
“Your home should be your sanctuary. Your castle. A place where you feel safe. To break into that space leaves not only a devastating physical impact but also an emotional one knowing that a stranger has been in your home and tarnished the fond memories you have.
“We worked tirelessly to bring Edwards and Forshaw to justice with numerous pieces of evidence stacked against them included strong CCTV and statements from witnesses who were able to identify these offenders.
“I know nothing I can say can take away from the pain of what the family experienced on that day – a day when they were saying goodbye to a cherished man. I hope that this sentence will go some way to help them rebuild and make new happy memories in their home and their beloved business.
“Over the past year, Wigan has seen a 35% reduction in burglaries across the district, and our teams will continue to support communities who face the impact this devastating crime can have.”
