Serial burglar thrown lifeline after trying to get his life back on track
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Neil Oldham, aged 26, of Manor Close, Rawmarsh, Rotherham, admitted burgling a Lighthouse Homes property, on Westgate, Rotherham, according to a Sheffield Crown Court hearing on February 3.
Ian Goldsack, defending, told the hearing that Oldham had been homeless at the time of the burglary on July 3, 2020, and he needed food and clothing and the stolen property was recovered and he had returned to the crime scene and admitted what he had done when police arrived.
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Hide AdMr Goldsack said: “It might be there are exceptional circumstances to allow the court to take what would otherwise be an unusual direction in sentencing.”
Mr Goldsack explained Oldham had originally been staying at a Lighthouse Homes property in the Shirebrook area - which is a hostel for the homeless - and he started undergoing treatment for an alcohol problem but this was disrupted after he was moved to a Lighthouse premises in the Chesterfeld area.
Oldham relapsed into drinking, according to Mr Goldsack, and he became homeless for a number of weeks before going back to the Rotherham area where he lived at a hostel in East Herringthorpe where he detoxed and was given help to find accommodation.
Mr Goldsack said Oldham has now moved into a property on Manor Close, Rawmarsh, Rotherham, and he is receiving benefits.
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Hide AdThe defendant has not committed further offences, according to Mr Goldsack, and he has a stable address for the first time in a very long time after experiencing difficultes as a youngster following the death of his mother.
Mr Goldsack said: “I have obviously had to make him aware this is a third domestc burglary conviction which means the court has limited movement for manoeuvre but the victims of the current matter don’t wish to make a complaint.”
Judge Sarah Wright told Oldham: “In the exceptional circumstances of this case I am going to ask for an updated pre-sentence report with absolutely no promises whatsoever.”
She released Oldham on bail and adjourned his case until February 25 to consider a probation report before sentencing.
