Ram-raiders plead guilty to smashing into two shops in one night

A pair of ram-raiders who smashed into two shops during the early hours of the morning have been warned they face jail.
Michael Pemberton and Louis Johnson both pleaded guilty to  conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to commit burglaryMichael Pemberton and Louis Johnson both pleaded guilty to  conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to commit burglary
Michael Pemberton and Louis Johnson both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to commit burglary

Louis Johnson, 30, and Michael Pemberton, 37, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday via video link and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary after ram raids in Sunderland.

The first incident took place on March 9 when police were called to a break-in at Harbour View service station on Dame Dorothy Street, in Roker, Sunderland, after a car had been driven into the shutters in an attempt to gain entry.

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Shortly afterwards officers then received a second call to a similar incident at the One Stop shop on Blind Lane, Silksworth, leaving the front glass entrance completely smashed.

Damage to the front of the One Stop shop in SilksworthDamage to the front of the One Stop shop in Silksworth
Damage to the front of the One Stop shop in Silksworth

Johnson, of Marley Crescent, and Pemberton, of Edward Burdis Street, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to commit burglary. Sentencing has been adjourned until August 4 at Newcastle Crown Court to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Mr Recorder Andrew Haslam QC said he would be giving no indication of sentence at this time and told the pair: "I'm going to adjourn sentence in each of your cases having now pleaded guilty to both cases on the indictment.

"I'm going to relist sentence in respect of each of your cases to the 4th of August, which is the first available date that this court can be accommodated.

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"These are serious offences. All options will remain open including the imposition of immediate sentences of custody."

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