Teenager accused of a staggering 17 crimes

Billy Joe Sharratt, 18, currently of HMP Forest Bank, appeared before Wigan and Leigh magistrates via video link accused of a crime spree running from late 2018 to early this year.

They include assaulting Sharon McLelland in Hindley, stealing her Vauxhall Astra car, then driving it dangerously in Strines Close in Hindley on December 17 2019.

On Christmas Eve the same year he is also accused of stealing an Audi from Lufulla Fazir in Norley and handling another stolen Astra taken in Haydock the following month, then handling a Vauxhall Insignia and another stolen Audi in the February of 2020.

Then there are accusations of burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Atherton, Haydock, Leigh, Westhoughton, Croft and Culcheth areas.

Sharratt has yet to enter any pleas and the case was adjourned until April 9 for another appearance before Wigan justices.

A co-defendant, 36-year-old Catherine Rogers, of Thirlmere Avenue, Ince, is charged with involvement in the Croft and Culcheth break-ins. Her case was adjourned to the same date.

Thank you for reading. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription. Thanks again.