Copper thief burned face as he stole

A MAN who risked his life to steal high–grade copper parts from an Oldham electricity sub–station has been jailed.

Steven Barker (54), of Stamford Close, Stalybridge, was sentenced to nine months after being found guilty of burglary at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester.

Shortly after 3am on Wednesday, January 24, last year, he broke into the sub–station in Bleasby Street.

He suffered burns to his hands, arms, face and eyes when a component exploded in his face after he emptied oil and took out copper connections.

Barker then walked half-a-mile to Clarksfield Road when he called for an ambulance, claiming that someone had flashed something in his face and set him on fire.

He was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital and later transferred to the medical burns unit at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Barker would not say how or where he received his injuries.

Fire crews arrived at the scene but had to call United Utilities to assist in putting out the electrical fire.

Investigators noticed components had been tampered with and copper connections removed, sparking the blaze.

Police found a tool bag, flask and a small torch and Barker was later charged with burglary. The total cost of the damage he caused amounted to £52,000.

Det Con Paul Cockburn, of Oldham CID, said: “Barker’s actions endangered not only his own life, but more importantly those of others, causing costly damage and disrupting the electricity supply of many families.”