Burglar Busted After Sneaking Into Elderly Man’s Home for £150 Spending Spree
Lee Aaron Day, 27, broke into a Spennymoor home at 11pm on February 2 and swiped £30 cash, a wallet, bank cards, a watch, and even the victim’s bus pass. The nightmare didn’t stop there — Day went on a fraud-fuelled shopping spree, splashing over £150 at petrol stations, supermarkets, and a pizza chain using the stolen bank card.
CCTV Snags Burglar’s Dodgy Spending
Police spotted Day thanks to CCTV and swiftly arrested him. At first, he played the innocent card, insisting he was asleep at home during the crimes. Then he tried a different excuse, claiming he got the bank card from an underage boy he bought cigarettes for — despite footage showing no one waiting outside the shops.
A jury wasn’t buying it. Day was found guilty on all charges at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 40 Months
This wasn’t Day’s first brush with the law. He’d previously burgled Curry’s Delivery Depot last October, nicking a 50-inch TV. He got a 12-month sentence for that, to run alongside his latest sentencing.
Durham Crown Court handed Day a hefty 40-month prison term yesterday. He’s now behind bars, serving time for his crimes.
Inspector Condemns ‘Prolific Offender’
“Day is a prolific offender who sneaked his way into an elderly victim’s house whilst he slept and then went on a spending spree with his credit cards,” said Neighbourhood Inspector Mike Sammut.
“Nobody should have to wake up to find their home has been violated in this way and personal property stolen.
“I am pleased that Day has received a lengthy custodial sentence which reflects the crime he is guilty of and hope this gives the residents of Spennymoor some peace of mind.”
