Criminal raided seven Hartlepool charities and small businesses but is spared jail by Durham Crown Court
A burglar who raided a host of Hartlepool charities and small businesses has been spared an immediate jail sentence.
Kevin Brown broke into seven premises across town between May 4 and August 12 this year, escaping with more than £2,700 in cash and other property.
Victims included homeless organisation Cornerstone, in Park Road, and Alice House Hospice’s charity shop, in Wynyard Road, where he stole a charity tin, wall safe and competition prizes.
Brown, 48, who was homeless himself, often broke in by forcing rear doors or smashing windows, Durham Crown Court heard.
He was caught on CCTV breaking into Cornerstone at around 2.20am on August 11, filling bags with tinned food and stealing hundreds of pounds in cash.
Prosecutor Charlie Thompson said: “Items taken were donations and money which was to assist vulnerable members of the public.
“The damage and loss is described as upwards of £1,000.”
The Alice House Hospice shop had to close the day after Brown and an unknown accomplice burgled it on August 12.
Julie Hildreth, fundraising senior manager, said the impact of the break-in was “immense”.
In May, Brown burgled Crest House, in Stockton Road, which is home to a children’s dance studio and gym.
The same month, he broke into Bits & Booze, in Oxford Road, when he made off with £3,000 of cigarettes.
Brown then burgled the Dutch Garden Centre, in Ladysmith Street, twice overnight on July 4-5 after making a hole in an outer wall and using a plant pot to smash a window.
He stole cash, including from a tip jar, and a tray of flapjacks, before returning four hours later and stealing more money and drinks.
Brown, of Rydal Street, Hartlepool, also stole cash when he burgled Pedigree Cuts Dog Groomers around 1am after smashing a window.
He pleaded guilty to eight counts of burglary. But he was spared immediate prison after the judge said Brown had a better chance of being rehabilitated in the community.
Defence barrister Stephen Constantine said Brown had never been given a chance to get the help he needs but is motivated to overcome his drug use which has “blighted the majority of his adult life”.
Recorder Mark McKone sentenced Brown to 20 months in prison, which was suspended for two years, with nine months of drugs rehabilation.