UPDATE: A career criminal was arrested just after midnight on May 20, 2023, after attempting to flee the scene of a burglary at a Furniture Village store in Stockton. Paul Thomas, 54, was caught with a “professional burglary toolkit” in his vehicle, raising alarms about escalating criminal behavior in the area.
According to court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, officers on patrol spotted Thomas speeding away from the store on Portrack Lane. Prosecutor Jenny Haigh detailed how Thomas raced around a roundabout on Haverton Hill Road, ignoring red lights before finally pulling into a layby where his passenger fled on foot.
When apprehended, Thomas claimed his accomplice was a “wanted man,” but a subsequent search of his car revealed items linked to a burglary reported just minutes earlier. Thomas later pleaded guilty to the burglary charge, adding to a lengthy criminal history that includes multiple convictions dating back to the 1990s.
The court heard that Thomas has previously served a seven-year prison sentence for conspiracy to burgle in 2008 and was convicted for drug dealing in February 2023. His extensive record raises concerns about repeat offenses and underscores a pattern of criminality.
Judge Peter Makepeace highlighted the impact of such crimes on local businesses, stating, “When commercial premises suffer losses like that, the way they recover their costs is by increasing their prices. Members of the community pay more.”
In a striking warning, the judge told Thomas, “Do not test me on this. If you do, I will take pleasure in committing you to prison.” Thomas received a ten-month prison term suspended for two years, complemented by a mandate to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 26 days of rehabilitation programs.
This incident not only raises questions about public safety but also reflects ongoing issues with burglary in the region. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local authorities.
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