Thief burgled Northumberland house and stole Mercedes just days after release from prison

Brian Coakley, 41, had only been released from jail eight days before being caught by officers fleeing from a stolen vehicle in Scotland Gate, Northumberland.

The criminal, of no fixed address, was then linked to a burglary at an address on Elder Close, Blyth, where the keys for a Mercedes C350, a laptop and a briefcase were stolen.

Within an hour of the call coming in to the police, Coakley was located and arrested by officers before being charged.

He admitted burglary and theft of a motor vehicle at Newcastle Crown Court and was on Monday, February 24 sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at a second hearing.

The incidents took place on Friday, January 10 and he pleaded guilty on Friday, February 7.

Detective Constable Alison Felton, of Northumbria Police, hailed the 41-year-old as a “prolific thief” and spoke of the impact his crimes could have on the community.

In a statement, she said: “Brian Coakley is a prolific thief who repeatedly shows blatant disrespect to both the law and the victims he targets.

“Burglary is an incredibly personal and invasive crime which often leaves a mental and financial impact on the victims - some of which can be too scared to return to their beloved family homes and are forced to move.