Peterlee men stole Apple Airpods in ‘unpleasant’ burglary

Terry Pringle acted as a look-out while Dean Fishwick grabbed the bag and made off with the stolen goods.

Teesside Crown Court head how 51-year-old Fishwick then tried to sell some air pods found in the bag at CeX pretending they belonged to him.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said the family were on the premises on Montfalcon Close, Peterlee, when the men struck on June 3 last year.

In a victim personal statement, the family said the burglary has left them feeling unsafe in their home and the theft of the Apple air pods had severely affected their child.

Fishwick, of Helford Road, Peterlee, pleaded guilty to burglary and fraud by false representation when he tried to sell the stolen air pods.

Tony Davis, mitigating, said his client was a heroin addict who was committing offences to pay for his habit.

“He does offer his apologises and has reflected on his behaviour,” he said. “When not driven by his need to feed his addiction he does have some insight to his offending.”

Pringle, of Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, was found guilty of the burglary following a trial.

Michael Forrest, mitigating, urged the judge to pass the shortest term possible for the repeat burglar.

Recorder Nathan Moxon sentenced Pringle to three years in custody and Fishwick to 18 months in custody suspended for 21 months.

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He said: “You were asking residents if they wanted their gutters cleaning. You, Mr Fishwick, approached the home and offered your services but they refused.

“No doubt, you noticed that the owner didn’t lock the door after your interaction.

“You, Mr Pringle, approached the property to see if anything was worth stealing before acting as look-out while Mr Fishwick opened the door and took the bag.

“The was a particularly unpleasant offence as it was a child’s school bag which was stolen.”

Fishwick was also ordered to attend a six-month drug rehabilitation treatment programme and 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days.