Burglar who stole cars from ex-employer jailed

Lee Scott used stolen keys to take four cars from the salesroom where he used to work (file photo)

A sacked worker who broke into his former showroom and stole four cars worth almost £20,000 has been jailed for nine months.

Lee Scott, 38, broke into Budget Car Centre in Stockton and took the keys for four vehicles, which he then drove away over the course of several hours during a night in October 2022, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Scott had been fired from the firm for petty theft, the court heard.

He admitted burglary and theft.

Prosecutor Chris Baker said Scott smashed his way in through an office window and took the first car at about 23:00 BST on 4 October 2022.

He and another man were seen on CCTV driving one car away at a time, and then returning by taxi to take the next.

About £1,100 worth of damage had been caused to the showroom and while all the cars were recovered, one had been involved in a crash, Mr Baker said.

Scott's footprints were found at the garage and he was identified by CCTV, the court heard.

Mr Baker said Scott, of no fixed abode, had been "sacked some years ago because of some petty thefts".

Judge Nathan Adams said the burglary was "not overly sophisticated" and Scott had a lengthy record of previous convictions.