Criminal who devastated Wearside communities back in jail after break-in attempt

Ricky Don Elliott has committed more than 170 offences over a 30-year period, showing a constant disregard for the law, Northumbria Police say.

The 44-year-old is now back inside prison after admitting burglary, attempted burglary, going equipped and vehicle interference at Newcastle Crown Court.

Elliott, of Collingwood Drive, Shiney Row, was sentenced to two years in jail on Monday, October 19.

Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Robson said: “Elliott has been a drain on our resources for some time and has consistently undermined the criminal justice system and shown little care for the welfare of others.

“He has committed crime after crime across Wearside and made life a misery for many of his victims and the wider community.”

Elliott’s latest criminality saw him target a family home in Penshaw on Thursday, July 2.

He was caught on CCTV trying a front door, before realising a metal bar on the inside prevented it from opening more than a couple of inches.

Those living at the property found Elliott – who was also captured on camera trying to get into a BMV on the driveway – at their front door after going to investigate the noise.

He claimed was looking for the ‘old folk’s home’ before fleeing the area.

Police officers were deployed to locate Elliott, who was later spotted walking near his Shiney Row home carrying a blue bag, which he later discarded in a bush.

He was placed under arrest and police found the bag which contained a small crow bar, a large chisel and a pair of white and pink fluffy socks.

At court on Monday, Elliott also admitted a separate offence of burglary relating to a theft of a staff member’s handbag at Pizza Box in Shiney Row.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, added: “This is a man who time and time again has failed to see the error of his ways.

"There’s no doubt that his crimes over the years will have had a devastating impact on his victims and the local communities he’s targeted.

"It’s only right that he’s facing the consequences of his actions behind bars.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here.

Thank you.