Burglar found hiding under victim's bed

Ian Johnson, from Ince, pleaded guilty to burglary with intent to steal and also to possessing cannabis at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court.

The court was told Johnson, of Belle Green Lane, helped to break into the Kent Street property during an overnight raid but the 36-year-old claims the crime was planned by another suspect.

The court was told a brick was used to smash a window and a large pile of electronic goods was found heaped up in the living room.

Prosecuting, Katie Beattie said police were alerted by a nearby resident just after midnight on December 14 who heard a series of loud noises.

Mrs Beattie said: “The police arrived and found Johnson hiding under the bed in the second bedroom. He could give no reason why he was inside the property.”

The court heard Johnson carried out the raid just a day after the occupant went on holiday to Tenerife.

In an impact statement read to the magistrates the victim spoke of his shock at returning to find a door and window boarded up and said he was frightened for his son and his girlfriend who sleep in the bedroom where Johnson gained entry.

Defending, Martin Jones said Johnson was an accomplice and had made a terrible choice to go along with the burglary after meeting another man and drinking with him. Mr Jones said: “He was not the prime mover but did not have the sense to walk away and therefore became involved in the matter.

Magistrates decided to send Johnson to Bolton Crown Court for sentencing and he will now appear there on April 12. He was released on conditional bail. A second suspect, 25-year-old Daniel Riley of Longfellow Street in Liverpool, did not turn up at court to answer a charge of burglary with intent to steal.