Heaton man stopped in car with stolen goods just moments after Post Office burglary

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/no ... n-25951414

A man was stopped in a car full of stolen goods taken from a Post Office just moments after it was burgled.

Neil Barrett was a passenger in the vehicle, which had earlier been used in the heist, when it was pulled over by police. An eagle-eyed witness had earlier watched as a Post Office in North Tyneside was burgled and noted down the registration of the car used by the culprits to make their getaway, a court was told.

They passed the number on to the police and officers tracked down and stopped the vehicle nearby. Inside, they found cash, a till and cigarettes, all of which had been taken during the burglary, magistrates were told.


Barrett, of St Alban's Crescent, in Heaton, appeared in the dock last month to plead guilty to handling stolen goods. The case was adjourned until this week for sentence but Barrett failed to show up and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Just 24 hours later, he appeared in custody at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

Stephanie Cook, prosecuting, said a witness saw a Post Office being burgled on September 29 last year. Miss Cook continued: "The police were contacted as the witness recorded the registration number of the vehicle involved.

"The car was stopped by police and the driver was detained. The driver was not this defendant. The defendant was a passenger and he was also cautioned and arrested. Inside the vehicle was a black till tray and numerous boxes of cigarettes. The property was confirmed as that stolen from the Post Office."

The court heard that Barrett had seven offences on his record and had failed to show for his sentencing hearing as he "mixed up his dates". Jack Lovell, defending, said Barrett had handed himself in as soon as he realised there was a warrant out for his arrest.

Mr Lovell added: "He was under the influence at the time and has little recollection of anything. He was not involved in the burglary but was aware the goods in the car were stolen."

Barrett was given a 12 month community order, was fined a total of £160 and must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.