A burglar smashed his way into the home of an elderly homeowner who was asleep and made off with cigarettes and cash.
David Hogg broke into the home in Bishop Auckland in the early hours of March 18, 2020, while the victim slept and made off with two sleeves of cigarettes, tobacco and £100 in cash. The money was stolen from a bedroom drawer while the victim slept.
Hogg appeared at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for burglary. The 40-year-old, who had 30 previous convictions for 53 offences, was found guilty of the offence after a trial.
Oliver Connor, prosecuting, said Hogg went to the home and gained entry by smashing a rear window. "The defendant stole a number of items, including five packets of tobacco, two sleeves of cigarettes, and £100 in cash", he said.
"Cash was taken from a bedroom drawer. During the burglary, the complainant had been asleep in bed. The victim lives in a bungalow, which is surrounded by similar properties occupied by elderly residents like the victim."
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Mr Connor added that when arrested, Hogg, of Maud Terrace, Bishop Auckland, "denied any knowledge of the burglary". He said the victim, who is retired, believes the burglary happened between 1am and 2am.
Addressing the judge, Shaun Dryden, defending, said: "There are certain features which may just allow your honour to draw back from an immediate custodial sentence. It is clear from his record that his problem in the past has been his addiction to class A drugs, and in particular, heroin. Progress has been made in is lifestyle and there's been a complete change in his attitude.
"He has secured full time employment for the first time in many years and now seems to have his drug problem under control. He's not using any illegal drugs whatsoever and appears to be in a very good place." Mr Dryden added that an immediate custodial sentence could "derail his good work".
Recorder Benjamin Nolan QC told Hogg he was going to defer his sentencing for six months. He said: "I'm going to defer your sentence for six months to see if you can continue your progress." Hogg will return to the court on Friday, when a new date will be given for his deferred sentence hearing.
