Burglar smashed his way into Chaplin's causing thousands in damage and stealing from a till and charity box

Alan Clarke smashed a window at Chaplin's in Sunderland with a brick in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, and helped himself to alcohol, cash from the till and money from a charity box.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 45-year-old caused a £4,375 trail of destruction, where he damaged tills and gambling machines and broke a screen at the counter that had just been installed so the bar could re-open safely after the pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Prosecutor Matthew Collins told the court the bar had been back open for just days after the Covid-19 lockdown and added "they were trying to get back on their feet".

Clarke, of no fixed address was still inside the bar when police arrived and had a craft knife and some cocaine in his possession.

The serial criminal, who has a long record, pleaded guilty to burglary, possession of a pointed article and possession of cocaine.

Jamie Adams, defending, told the court: "He was still there when the police came. He had been there for about four hours and what he was doing was he was getting drunk.

"He was found in a hopeless and hapless state.

"He couldn't even be interviewed until 8pm after being arrested first thing in the morning."

Mr Adams said Clarke, who became addicted to substances as a teenager, needs help to change.

Mr Recorder Michael Fanning sentenced Clarke to two years behind bars.

The judge told him: "You clearly were in no rush to leave the premises, you remained on the premises for a significant period of time, consuming alcohol, right up to the time police officers attended."

The court heard Clarke has a total of 26 previous convictions for house and commercial burglaries and attempted burglaries.

The judge added: "It appears you regard other people's premises as yours to steal from at will."

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, of Northumbria Police’s Southern Burglary Team, said after an earlier hearing: “Alan Clarke caused a huge amount of damage and destruction when he smashed his way into a city centre bar for purely selfish means.

“He showed a total disregard for both the law and the livelihood of the owner, racking up hundreds of pounds worth of damage in a cynical bid to steal alcohol and money.

“Clarke even had the audacity to steal coins from a charity box – his behaviour is absolutely appalling and he should be ashamed of his actions.

“Many business owners have faced a difficult few months due to lockdown restrictions but are now back open and working hard to provide a safe and relaxed environment for customers to enjoy.

“It is therefore especially disappointing that Clarke made the decision to carry out this disgraceful offence, at a time when the rest of the city are pulling together and showing the community spirit that this region is famed for.”

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