Amble man admits string of farm burglaries and quad bike thefts in Northumberland
An Amble man has admitted the theft of quad bikes and other equipment worth more than £50,000 from farms in Northumberland.
Nathan Charlton, 23, pleaded guilty to five burglaries at farms in the Alnwick area when he appeared at Berwick Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor James Long said: “Rural crime is a big issue, particularly in Northumberland where remote and isolated communities are being targeted for high value thefts.
"Stolen quad bikes have high value but are also an integral part of modern day farming. Particularly in winter, when the ground is wet, they are relied upon to get around the farm to allow them to get on with their job.
"What is clear from the victim statements is that this has given cause for significant unease. These are people who live remotely and there is no-one else around to come to their assistance if needed. They have learned that people have been creeping around outside in the hours of darkness.”
He added: “The defendant is one of a team. The others have not been apprehended. The defendant is ‘not able’ to name the others involved for fear of retribution.”
Magistrates heard the first offence dated from October 2 at Abberwick Farm where two Honda quad bikes and tools worth £5,500 were taken.
The court was also told that on November 10, two Yamaha quad bikes worth £14,000 were stolen from Broome Park Farm.
Farming tools and a bicycle worth £630 were taken from Broxfield Farm on November 13.
The following day, magistrates heard that two Honda quad bikes worth £16,000 were stolen from Shipley Lane Farm.
The court was also told that a Honda quad bike, Husqvarna motorcycle and tools to the value of £14,430 were taken from farm buildings at Old Bewick, near Eglingham, on November 22.
No mitigation was offered by defence solicitor Ian Wilson.
Magistrates stated: “Given the number of offences and values involved, this is clearly outside the sentencing powers of a magistrates court.”
The case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court on May 28.
The defendant also pleaded guilty to breach of a community order and was given a £120 fine and told to pay £60 prosecution costs.