Burglar spared jail time

HANLEY, 51, STOLE BOOZE AND GOODS AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN Reporter

A PROLIFIC burglar was spared immediate jail for his latest offending, as a judge told him prison would have been easier than the strict court order imposed.

Edward Hanley targeted two small businesses in Hartlepool, causing thousands of pounds worth of loss and damage to the owners. In July last year, he broke into Hamilton's Hair Salon and stole more than £2,000 worth of hair straighteners and blow-dryers.

He then targeted the Mumbai Restaurant at the Grand Hotel twice, downing and stealing booze while causing extensive damage to the property.

Hanley, 51, of Cumberland Road in Middlesbrough, was spared immediate prison but a judge told him he must comply with an Intensive Supervision Court (ISC) order or would be locked up.

Teesside Crown Court heard on Tuesday how Hanley broke into the salon on Murray Street, and returned twice during the early hours. The owner of the salon went into work and found they couldn't gain entry due to the damage to the electric shutters.

Prosecutor Elisha Marsay said there was an attempt to use a credit card, which had been stored in the till, but it was declined. “Extensive damage was caused to the property as a result of the burglary,” she said.

“The shutters on the outside of the store - estimated cost between £500 and £800 - and also the window on the front door was pushed through to gain access and that amounted to £250.