A burglar stole bank cards and car keys from a Ponteland pub before driving off in a stolen Toyota to buy scratchcards and booze.
Shaun Cruddas had already been escorted from the premises of a care home before he entered a pub via the staff door and helped himself to the goods on February 14. The 42-year-old then made-off in a stolen Toyota Aygo and drove to a petrol station near to Newcastle Airport where he bought cigarettes, alcohol and scratchcards.
But the hapless burglar was caught days later after he attempted to cash in £25 that he'd won from the scratchcards he'd bought using the stolen bank cards. Cruddas, of Wilfred Street, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for burglary, theft, fraud, and driving offences.
