Serial burglar is back behind bars

Richard Walker

One of the region’s most prolific burglers was back behind bars for six years today, after a judge branded his behaviour as “outrageous”.

Richard Walker (34) pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, to a spate of burglaries across Oldham, Saddleworth and Mossley.

His identity was uncovered after he left footprints on the windowsills of his victim’s houses.

The burglaries took place last summer, shortly after Walker lost his job on a construction site.

Walker, who has a string of previous convictions for burglary and one for robbery, forced entry to properties and took £7,800 worth of property, caused £2,100 of damage and took £940 on a stolen credit card.

Jailing Walker, of Hawthorn Street, Audenshaw, Judge Bernard Lever said: “These were the most appalling category of house burglaries and attempted burglaries.

“You were then arrested and released on bail. While on bail you committed four more burglaries. The occupants would have been absolutely terrified.

“Did you learn your lesson from your previous time in jail? No. This court is going to send out the clearest message to burglars like you — that the householders of Greater Manchester cannot be expected to tolerate your anti-social behaviour.”

Defending, Phillip Parry, said, “Mercifully there were no confrontations or ransacking, therefore no violence was used.

“When he came out of prison, he had employment on a construction site in Ramsbottom. But after a health and safety inspection, almost everybody lost their jobs.

“He and his partner were living on two wages. When that was taken from them the debts began to mount and the defendent was keeping it from his family. He reverted to what he knew best.

“He isn’t proud of it and he knows he is going to face a lengthy time of imprisonment.”