Stourbridge News
Bungling Brierley Hill burglar Facebooked himself into custody
1:00pm Friday 10th February 2012
A BUNGLING Brierley Hill burglar who left his identity on his victim's computer has been caged for a year.
Wolverhampton Crown Court was told Leonard Loveridge stole a TV from a man he knew after logging on to Facebook at the man's Tennyson Street home.
Loveridge, aged 19, went to the man's home with an accomplice and while he was there asked if he could use the computer to check on his Facebook page.
But the pair then distracted the retired man so they could take the TV from his lounge and they made a quick getaway only to be spotted by neighbours who alerted the victim.
Sati Ruck, prosecuting, told the court police were notified and the raiders who sold the TV set for just £25 to an arranged buyer were arrested.
She added when questioned by police officers they said they needed money for food and clothing because they were both living rough.
Loveridge, of Cooper Avenue, admitted burglary and was sent to a young offenders institution.
He was told by Recorder David Herbert: "This was on any view a mean offence against a vulnerable victim."
He said it was clear the raid had been planned from the outset and the victim targeted because a buyer had already been lined up for the TV.
Earl Pinnock, for Loveridge, described it as a "curious" burglary because the victim was known to the two raiders and his client had left his details on the computer.
Mr Pinnock added: "It was inevitable that he would be caught, this was a very poorly thought out offence and the pair were always going to end up in court."
He said the two defendants were hungry and the TV was sold for what was a paltry amount to put "food into their bellies."