Burglars caused £65k damage to cancer charity site

The burglars targeted Fighting All Cancers Together in June 2024

Two burglars caused damage of almost £65,000 when they broke into a recently renovated cancer charity hub, a court has heard.

Geoffrey Bell, 36, and his accomplice left a trail of destruction at the Fighting All Cancers Together (Fact) building in Wrekenton, Gateshead, on 13 June 2024, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The building had recently undergone a £500,000 makeover and is used to support people living with cancer, the court heard.

Bell admitted burglary and was jailed for 15 months, suspended for a year and a half.

'Food in carpets'

Bell and a friend, named in court as Paul Nicholson, broke into the site at about 22:00 BST, prosecutor John Hobley said.

Nicholson smashed a window with the pair then going in and ransacking the charity building.

The court heard Bell covered his hands with his sleeves to avoid leaving fingerprints.

A security system was activated and police arrived five minutes later, with the two locking themselves in the loft as they sought to evade arrest, Mr Hobley said.

Bell, of Coach Lane in Hazelrigg, Newcastle, hid in a cupboard as Nicholson attempted to break out through the roof causing significant damage, the court heard.

The charity was forced to close for a "significant period" afterwards

In a statement read to the court, the charity said multiple items were damaged during the burglary including mobile phones, laptops, crockery, kitchen appliances and raffle prizes, as well as damage to plasterboard walls, the roof and a fire exit door.

There was also extensive "soiling" with food having been trampled into carpets, the court heard, with the total damage costing about £64,800 to repair.

Mr Hobley said it was not just the staff who were the victims but the burglary also heavily impacted many adults, children and families who used the centre, as it had to be closed for a "significant period" afterwards.

The court heard Nicholson was previously jailed for 16 months for the burglary.

Bell, who had multiple previous convictions, admitted his involvement on the basis he was drunk and did not know where he was, the court heard.

Judge Carolyn Scott said she would suspend Bell's prison term so he could work with the probation service, adding: "There is a risk without such support [he] will fall back into his old ways."

Bell must also complete 150 hours' unpaid work and comply with a nine-month alcohol treatment requirement.