[A] CRIMINAL who carried out a “distressing” burglary as the householders slept has been sent to prison.
Jason Arnold Pattinson, 30, snatched a host of personal items – including family photographs, cash and bank cards – when he sneaked into the property in Wigton on the night of December 17 last year.
Pattinson left a footprint at the crime scene, and was caught on CCTV when he later used one of the cards to make a contactless purchase from a town shop – even though it had been cancelled by the owner.
At Carlisle Crown Court today (MON), Judge Peter Davies expressed his concern and the prosecutor her “shock” after learning the contactless feature remains “active” after cancellation.
Describing the impact of the break-in, the female householder spoke of her “anger” and “upset”.
Pattinson, of Water Street, Wigton, was jailed for 18 months today having admitted burglary and fraud charges. He was said to have 92 offences on his record – including previous break-ins.
Judge Davies ordered this term to be added to a six-year sentence the defendant received in July for his role in a Wigton knifepoint robbery.
Judge Davies said of Pattinson’s latest break-in: “It was an upsetting and distressing burglary while the house was occupied.
“Sentimental value items were taken.”
