Celebrity criminal faces custody after Matlock burglary

Derby Crown Court heard on Monday, January 11, how Richard Cano, 35, of Parks Avenue, South Wingfield, is “a three-strike burglar” with previous convictions who is facing a custodial sentence after burgling a home on Bole Hill, Matlock.

The prolific criminal previously appeared on BBC TVs East Midlands Today when he received help to rebuild his life but defence barrister James Moore said Cano’s fame and previous convictions made it difficult for him to find work and he resorted to crime again.

Mr Moore said: “Mr Cano is a third-strike burglar and beyond, so custody is inevitable but the length of the sentence may be a moveable feast given his lengthy previous convictions. I believe a pre-sentence report might assist the court about the reasons for him committing this latest offence.”

Cano was released from custody last year for handling stolen goods, according to Mr Moore, and his previous offending had been motivated by a drug addiction leading to burglaries and it became the subject of a rehabilitation on TV.

But Mr Moore added: “There was a hue and cry on his release because he was on East Midlands Today saying he was getting help to rebuild his life and he had grasped the nettle. But if anyone Googled his name it became difficult for him to get employment because of his convictions.

“When he built up a home with the help of an MP he found himself earning less than his outgoings and he committed this latest burglary because he was short of money.”

Judge Jonathan Bennett said he was willing to adjourn Cano’s case to consider his circumstances after he pleaded guilty to the Matlock burglary which happened on November 20. The case was adjourned until February 1 and Cano was remanded in custody.

Judge Bennett said: “I will look at sentencing and what’s happened in his life.”