Express & Star

Charity box burglar jailed for Cradley Heath crime spree targeting cafes and market

A veteran burglar who has more than 90 convictions dating back to 1980 has been jailed after breaking into Black Country cafes to "put food in his mouth".

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Over three days in September last year, Timothy Partridge, 59, broke into the Crusty Cob, Sam's Bostin Bites and the market in Cradley Heath. He even smashed a charity box to obtain "a few pounds".

All three businesses had to be closed due to the damage Partridge caused, smashing his way into each premises using either a brick or stone.

His crime spree came just weeks after he was given a suspended sentence for other offences.

Defending Partridge in court, Molly Webb, said: "He was homeless at the time and he did this to put food in his mouth and find money for a hostel for the night. He did not have a roof over his head at this time. He admits he made a mistake.