[A] BURGLAR caught following a Facebook appeal by his victims has been sentenced by a judge.
Neil Anderson, 31, raided a container at Rosley, near Wigton, in the dead of night early last August. Riding equipment, comprising saddles and harnesses, was snatched and prompted a Facebook appeal which saw CCTV stills posted on the social media site.
Carlisle Crown Court heard this yielded vital information which cast the spotlight on Anderson as being responsible. When arrested the father-of-five – who has a sixth child on the way – made full admissions. He was said to have been short of cash at the time and seeking to make “easy money”.
Recorder Andrew Jefferies QC noted “most” of the stolen property had been returned to its owners. However, Recorder Jefferies was also mindful of the profound effect Anderson’s crime had on his victims.
“It is not fair when people’s lives are affected like that,” he told the burglar. “It may just be an outbuilding, and may be in the middle of nowhere, but it is part of somebody’s home. It is not nice.”
Anderson, of Syke Road, Wigton, admitted burglary and was handed 12-month community order in court today (FRI). He must complete a rehabilitation requirement and a three-month night-time curfew.
