Daniel Hester, a prolific burglar targeting Newcastle student accommodation, has reoffended just weeks after receiving a community order, stealing bike wheels and lamps by tailgating students into their buildings.
Latest Offences and Court Appearance
The 43-year-old, of Victoria Avenue in Wallsend, pleaded guilty at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court to one count of burglary of a non-dwelling and two counts of burglary of a dwelling. Prosecutors said Hester stole wheels from a bike in a shed outside student accommodation on Pandon Bank on March 27. On May 21, he tailgated a student into the Stephenson Building on Stoddart Street, stealing a lamp from a residential lounge. He returned on May 25, tailgating another student to steal a second lamp.
Identification and Arrest
Hester, well-known to Northumbria Police, was easily identified from CCTV. A search of his home revealed the stolen lamps. Jade Houston, prosecuting, told the court the bike wheel victim described the act as "really petty." Hester has 46 previous offences and a drug addiction, the court heard.
Defence Mitigation
John Kirkham, defending, said a relationship breakdown left Hester homeless for months, exacerbating mental health issues. "When these offences occurred, Mr Hester had turned to drugs, which he was using as a crutch," Kirkham said.
Sentence
District judges handed Hester an 18-month community order with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement. He must also pay £85 costs, £100 compensation, and a £114 victim surcharge.
