Sheffield burglar captured after fleeing with one shoe

A Sheffield burglar whose footwear was grabbed by the owner of the shop he broke into was later identified hobbling down the road with one shoe, a court heard.
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Luke Thistlethwaite damaged the shutter of vintage clothing outlet Jojo's General Store and triggered the alarm when he was breaking in on the night of March 3, prosecutor Alison Goldsmith said.

But the manager of the shop on Ecclesall Road was alerted and grappled with him on the premises before Thistlethwaite was arrested nearby.

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"He made a number of comments suggesting that he was responsible for the burglary," she added.

Jojo's General Store on Ecclesall Road.Jojo's General Store on Ecclesall Road.
Jojo's General Store on Ecclesall Road.

The court heard he caused £450 of damage during the break-in and was released from prison on March 11.

Hester Russell, mitigating, said Thistlethwaite had been homeless and without money at the time.

“His benefits have still not come through,” she said. “He was sleeping on a friend’s sofa.

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"When he saw this shop he took the impulsive decision to damage the window and take any items of value. He is very sorry."

Thistlethwaite, aged 38, of no fixed address, admitted burglary when he appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court on April 2.

District Judge Naomi Redhouse told him: "You were in the crown court only in September when you were sentenced for a non-dwelling burglary."

She said her sentencing powers were insufficient and remanded him to custody because of the risk he would commit further offences.

He will be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on April 23.

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