To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Burglar Identified On CCTV Because He Has One Leg

Burglar Identified On CCTV Because He Has One Leg

The burglar has now been sentenced to 14 months in prison after stealing items worth £1,500

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A burglar was easily identified on CCTV due to the fact he only has one leg and could be seen walking away from the scene with the use of a crutch.

John Gaughan, 32, went into his unlocked neighbours' home and stole items amounting to £1,500 including a PlayStation and three pairs of trainers.

The neighbour, whose son's autistic partner was present in the property at the time of the burglary, had previously helped Gaughan and was 'shocked' by his actions.

The victim said in a statement: "I'm shocked, after all I had done to help him, that this is how he responds.

"He will know taking those items was taking them from my son and partner.

"The fact he knew my son's partner suffers from autism but still entered when he was inside is shocking.

"It's caused much trauma to all of us and I feel unsafe knowing he lives in the same street."

John Gaughan.
North News

The burglary happened while the neighbour was out - upon returning home and realising he had been robbed he checked his CCTV and recognised Gaughan.

Kate Barnes, prosecuting, said: "He identified the defendant, who is distinctive because he has one leg and was using a crutch."

Gaughan, who lost his leg due to drug use, has 122 previous convictions and has now been jailed for 14 months.

Recorder Shakil Najib told him: "The complainant was not only your neighbour, he was someone who had helped you over the years and you repaid his generosity by entering his house and stealing from his family.

"This was made worse by the fact his son's partner was present in the house.

"You violated their home and it had a significant impact on his family."

North News

In mitigation, Gaughan's lawyer Rachel Hedwort said her client was remorseful and 'ashamed' of his actions, but denied being a 'prolific burglar'.

She said: "He went to an address he had previously visited on other occasions as a guest.

"He is not a prolific burglar.

"He had an atrocious childhood and drug addiction has ruined his life so far.

"He was not taken to school, he didn't go to school."

Featured Image Credit: North News

Topics: UK News, crime