Burglar who cut his hand in raid at Master Debonair rumbled by police in hospital waiting room

A smash-and-grab thief who cut himself during a shop raid has been jailed following swift work by detectives.
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David Richardson, 29, broke into the Master Debonair store on Station Road, East Boldon, on Sunday, November 10.

He stole £265 worth of clothing – but cut his hand during the incident, heading to A&E at Sunderland Royal Hospital to get patched up.

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Richardson was greeted by police in the waiting room after they identified him as their main suspect after following a CCTV trawl.

David Richardson, of Hendon Valley Court, SunderlandDavid Richardson, of Hendon Valley Court, Sunderland
David Richardson, of Hendon Valley Court, Sunderland

Within 48 hours, he was charged, convicted and jailed.

Richardson, of Hendon Valley Court, Sunderland, admitted burglary at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, November 12 and was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment on the same day.

Detective Constable Alex Hadwin, of Northumbria Police’s Southern Burglary Team, said: “This was an excellent example of swift detective work as we located, arrested and put a man before the courts within a very short space of time.

“Richardson had little choice but to admit his role in the burglary due to the overwhelming weight of evidence against him, not to mention the injury to his hand which he sustained while breaking into the premises.

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“Thankfully, police were on hand to spot the offender at the hospital and he was given a lift straight into custody.

“Our businesses are a crucial part of our community, and as a result, we are committed to ensuring those who flout the law and target them are brought to justice.”

Richardson must also pay £765 compensation, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £122.