Shocking video shows 'considerable' damage caused when a Sunderland house was left flooded during break-in

The raiders had smashed through walls and damaged piping and toilet equipment then left water pouring through the premises at Hyde Street, Sunderland, when they left.

When police arrived at the scene, wearing body cameras, they found serial burglar Stephen Wright standing in the kitchen and he was arrested.

Wright, 39, of St Leonard Street, Hendon, Sunderland, admitted burglary on the basis the property was already flooded when he went in, after he noticed the back door had been forced open as he passed.

Prosecutor Lewis Kerr said the property was ready for rental when it was targeted in February and added: "Substantial damage was caused to it. It was flooded. Attempts had been made to take copper piping out it if."

Mr Kerr said police footage captured the devastation caused inside the premises and added: "The officers entered the kitchen area at the back.

"When they did, they found the defendant standing there.

"Water was in various parts of the property, the property being flooded.

"The totality of the damage was significant in that somebody had been in, smashed their way through into areas to get copper piping out.

"The water had been left on."

Wright, who has previous convictions for burglaries and other offences, told police he had gone into to the vacant property to see if there was any scrap copper and did not cause any damage himself.

Judge Tim Gittins told Wright his explanation is "deeply suspicious" but sentenced him on the basis he did not cause the damage.

The judge said: "A considerable amount of damage had been caused by people riving at copper piping and damage to toilet equipment and the like, flooding the place in an attempt to get hold of copper or copper that could be scrapped, even though there are limitations on the ability to get rid of such scrap metal these days.

"I have to sentence you on the basis that others were engaged in causing that damage and forced entry to the premises.

"While it is deeply suspicious, it has reduced your culpability, given you weren't first to enter and didn't cause that damage."

Wright was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements.

Tony Cornberg, defending, said Wright has significant health issues which require regular attention and treatment and had relapsed into drug use.

Mr Cornberg added: "He has gone in with a view to see if there was something to steal.

"He was treading where others had already trod."

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