Burglar jailed after four-day spree

Picture courtesy of GMP Saddleworth and Lees

A persistent burglar from Derker has begun a three-and-a-half year prison sentence following a spate of incidents in the Royton and Oldham areas.

Nigel Lee Armstrong, of Goodwood Drive, broke into three charity shops, but was caught after cutting himself and leaving traces of blood at each of the stores.

Armstrong, aged 31, has now been caged following the four-day spree in Oldham.

The break-ins happened between December 12 and 16 last year.

The first happened at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice Shop on Market Square.

Storage room windows were smashed and other damage was caused, but nothing was taken.

Armstrong then targeted the Age Concern UK shop on Market Street in Royton.

Nothing was taken, but glass was smashed.

Armstrong’s blood was found on a donation sack.

He then smashed a door at the British Heart Foundation shop on Henshaw Street and stole £1,500 in cash and goods.

Armstrong was jailed for three and a half years at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Greater Manchester Police posted on Facebook: “Obviously these types of shops have short term leases and security is often low on their list of expenditures.

“Hopefully this sentence will give them some respite.”

Armstrong also admitted breaking into Saint Edwards Parish Centre on Spring Lane in Lees in September and stealing alcohol.

He also admitted stealing a mini motorbike in February last year.