Burglar left DNA on porthole window he was filmed peering through – Liverpool Echo

A hapless burglar who targeted two locations an hour apart was snared after CCTV filmed him pressing his face against a porthole window to peer inside.

Liam Lingham, 26, of Laburnum Grove, Runcorn, and an unknown accomplice first struck at The Food Group on Dalton Court in Astmoor Industrial Estate at 10.50pm on Thursday, March 11.

Kate Morley, prosecuting at Chester Crown Court today, said CCTV showed the pair approach and this defendant could be seen with his face up at a porthole window.

Forensic tests were later able to match DNA retrieved from the glass to Lingham.

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After searching inside a van without finding anything, the burglars forced entry to an office and made an untidy search and swiped between seven and 10 Euros from on top of a desk.

At 9am the next morning, it was discovered that the same two intruders had entered a dock office at Bridgewater Motor Club on Victoria Road at about 12.10am

The building, described as a shipping container, wasnt secured as access but the burglars forced an internal door and dragged a cabinet out of place to force it open, revealing two cash tins inside, from which they stole about 200-250 and left.

Repair costs for the club were estimated at about 200 plus labour.

After his arrest by Cheshire Police on September 20, Lingham was also charged in connection with a burglary at Halton Play Council resource centre on Mersey Road, Runcorn, on June 27 but in light of the two guilty pleas on October 19 to the other burglaries, prosecutors decided not to seek a trial in respect of the Mersey Road allegation.

Ms Morley told the court Lingham, who brought a large packed bag with him to court and whose female supporter sat weeping in the public gallery for much of the hearing, had 22 convictions for 49 offences.

These spanned dwelling burglaries, handling stolen goods offences, theft from a vehicle, taking a vehicle without consent, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, aggravated vehicle taking, and theft.

The most recent of those was in 2018.

Judge Simon Berkson sought details of the tag Lingham has been on since September 21 as part of his deliberations.

Paul Wood, defending, said his client deserved credit for his guilty pleas and had complied with his curfew conditions.

He cited a positive pre-sentence report but acknowledged Linghams negative antecedent history.

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Mr Wood said Lingham was a father with children and has developed a positive attitude, particularly following the recent birth of a baby.

He said the public interest could be best served by a suspended sentence with conditions, and urged the court to give his client a last chance.

Judge Berkson concurred and although he accepted Lingham was a "prolific" offender, sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work plus curfew.

He told Lingham he had a terrible record but offered him a chance to mend his ways.

Judge Berson said: Since committing that offence and being arrested you havent committed any other crime and have complied with a stringent curfew and come before the court with a positive pre-sentence report and a suggestion you can stay out of trouble.

Lingham lit a cigarette and beamed with joy after leaving court.

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Burglar left DNA on porthole window he was filmed peering through - Liverpool Echo