Burglar jailed after two premises hit in an hour

Craig Weaver has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison

A prolific burglar who raided a house and a golf club in the space of an hour has been sent to jail.

Craig Weaver, 46, was detained by workers alerted by an intruder alarm which went off when he broke into Stoney Holme Golf Club, Carlisle, on the morning of 3 October.

Just an hour before he had been caught in the act by the shocked occupant of a house on Warwick Road. The woman, a teacher, reported a number of items missing including a Rolex watch, a passport and bank cards.

Weaver, who already had 145 offences on his criminal record, admitted the latest burglaries and was jailed for four years and eight months at Carlisle Crown Court.

The court heard Weaver was homeless having been released from prison late last year with no accommodation or support, was debt-laden and suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts.

He could remember little of the most recent crimes having taken some pills while in low mood on the anniversary of his daughter's death.

Judge Michael Fanning heard Weaver caused about £2,500 worth of damage at the golf club where windows were smashed.

Nearby workers detained him and Weaver threatened he would "stab" them and "knew someone with a shotgun".

It was the second time in 10 days the business had been broken into, although Weaver faced no charge in relation to the earlier crime.

The victim of the house burglary said she was left tearful, had increased security at a cost and she and her partner were considering moving house.