Burglar jailed after he was found drinking in a pub he had broken in to

A thirsty thief has been jailed after we responded to reports of a break-in at a pub – and found the intruders having a drink.

Gary Pickering has been sentenced to over a year behind bars after smashing his way into The High Main pub in Byker in the early hours of May 12.

The brazen burglar caused £2,000 of damage when he smashed the window to gain entry and set off the alarm.

But rather than swiping goods and making his escape, Pickering decided to take his time and help himself to booze from behind the bar.

Police responded to the report of the alarm being activated in less than three minutes and found the 48-year-old inside the pub where he was placed under arrest.

Now Pickering, of North Parade, Whitley Bay, has been jailed for 13 months after admitting burglary at Newcastle Crown Court.

Following the case, Detective Sergeant Dave Lumsden, of Northumbria Police’s Central Burglary Team, said Pickering was a serial offender.

“Gary Pickering is well known to our officers and so we immediately recognised him when we responded to the alarm activation,” said Det Sgt Lumsden.

“He was happily swigging away on some alcohol while trying to gather bottles of spirits that he intended to take from the pub.

“It was due to the immediate response of our officers, who were on the scene within three minutes, that led to him being apprehended.

“Pickering has had plenty of opportunities to turn his life around but he continues to offend with no regard for the victims of his crimes.

“He now has over 100 convictions for dishonesty offences and will have more chances to break the cycle of addiction that drives his offending.

“We hope he can make some positive changes but for now the streets of Newcastle are safer with him behind bars.”

Pickering was handed the custodial sentence during a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday.