Bungling burglar jailed for a year

A BUNGLING burglar was forced to flee from wrathful neighbours being caught looting a house in Shaw.

Barry Lowther (43) was challenged when he was spotted rummaging for items worth stealing through the open window of a conservatory at an address in Bodmin Close.

Manchester Crown Court heard that instead of giving up when confronted, he became abusive and told his accuser to mind his own business - then jumped on a bike with a guitar he had stolen and rode off screaming insults.

Kim Irving, prosecuting, said Lowther was convicted of burglary in January, but made matters worse by running off during a lunch break before being sentenced. An arrest warrant was issued and Lowther sent to Crown Court to be dealt with.

Jailing him for 12 months, Judge Jeffrey Lewis said: “You obviously realised your prospects were not looking rosy, and absented yourself.”

The court heard he had a record of 63 convictions for 166 offences including burglary and escaping justice on previous occasions.

Caroline Patrick, defending, said her client, a former drug addict, had largely turned his life round after settling down with his partner 15 months ago — until the burglary in October last year.

She said: “He says he cannot believe he committed this offence, and feels foolish and stupid. He has let himself down.”