Wigan convict was desperate to return to prison

Neil Masters, from Liverpool Road in Hindley, admitted to breaking into Katie’s Beauty parlour by throwing a “huge rock” through the window.

The 32-year-old serial offender, who has 75 previous offences, had been out of prison for less than a week and was still on license when he targeted the Church Street business in Orrell.

Wigan magistrates heard how Masters had been caught by police officers after a neighbour was woken up by the sound of smashing glass coming from the nearby property.

She called police, who arrived shortly after at around 3.45am, to find Masters inside the salon.

The court heard how he damaged the main entrance so badly that the owner, Katie Bradley, was forced to use a side door to get in when she arrived.

Prosecutor, Katie Beattie, told magistrates how a drunken Masters had thrown a “huge rock” through the window to enter the property, damaging the locking mechanism on the front door and destroying part of the flooring.

Once inside, the horrified owner was faced with “blood and hair” left by Masters all over the salon, which will required a deep clean before reopening.

“Mr Masters made a full and frank admission,” said Ms Beattie.

“He said ‘I only wanted to go back to prison, I can’t handle it outside.”

“He was only released on Tuesday and did this a few days later.

“He said he was on the way to see his dad, who is dying, and had got drunk on the way.

“He wanted to go back to prison and so burgled the shop.”

Despite admitting to breaking in and damaging the property, Masters denied taking £50 from the tip jar which had been left out when Ms Bradley last left

work.

Defence solicitor, James Towey, told the court that his client had “psychosis” issues which emerge when drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs.

“He feels the need to go back to prison,” said Mr Towey.”

The court heard how Masters would be able to access mental health help from prison, which Mr Towey believes could help to prevent any future re-offending.

Masters smiled and put his thumbs up to his defence solicitor after magistrates sentenced him to a further 16 weeks in prison.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge fee of £115 on his release.