Ellesmere Port man jailed after admitting burglaries

An Ellesmere Port man has been jailed for 10 months after pleading guilty to two burglaries and asking for three others to be taken into consideration.

Daniel Critchley, 31, of no fixed abode appeared at Chester Magistrates on Tuesday 18 October where he was sentenced the same day to eight months for the two burglaries and another two months for unrelated domestic offences which occurred on 15th September 2022.

During the hearing the court heard that sometime overnight between Monday 4 July and Tuesday 5 July Critchley tried to prise the door open at the Boat Museum in South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port using part of a queue barrier. When this failed, he smashed the double-glazed windows on a door to gain entry. He then stole various food items.

Critchley’s DNA was found on the queue barrier he tried to use to break in. Fingerprints were also taken from plastic drinks packaging which linked him to the crime scene.

Then on Thursday 8 September Critchley went to the Port and Anchor in South Pier Road and used a large rock to smash a window to gain entry.
Once inside he stole a number of items including cake, two large tubs of ice cream, ice cream cones and a full box of biscuits. Again, Critchley’s fingerprint was found at the scene.

On the morning of Monday 17 October Critchley was spotted by officers on patrol in Ellesmere Port town centre and recognised as being wanted on suspicion of commercial burglaries. He was arrested and later charged and remanded to appear at Chester Magistrates the following day.

DC Stuart Wood said:

“I wish to thank all officers involved in the investigation involving several offences over a 4 month period. Burglary is a priority for us as we understand the impact it has, whether its someone’s home or someone’s livelihood. The damage he caused to break in has cost the businesses more than the actual cost of the stolen stock in most cases.

“The effect this type of crime has on the victims and the local community should not be underestimated so we will continue to make every effort to find those responsible and put them before the courts.”