Current timestamp: 28/03/2023 23:10:47
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal ActivityLoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitterTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

cheshire-header-logo ( 1)

Search this website

Main navigation menu

  • Report

    Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud, bribery or corruption
    • Civil disputes
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
  • Tell us about

    Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
    • Abnormal vehicle load
  • Apply or register

    Back to Apply or register

    • Careers
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Request

    Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
  • Thanks and complaints

    Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
    • Feedback about the website
  • Your area

Breadcrumb

  1. ...
  2. News

Man jailed following Christmas Day burglary in Weaverham

Main article content

Navigation

News

13:20 22/07/2020

A burglar from Liverpool who broke into a Weaverham petrol station on Christmas Day has been jailed.

Darren Murphy, of King Street, Liverpool, appeared at Chester Crown court today, Wednesday 22 July.

He was sentenced to 17 months in prison.

The 33-year-old had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and one count of attempted burglary.

The offences were committed on the same night.

DarrenMurphyWIDE.jpg

On the evening of Christmas Eve Murphy, along with three unknown associates, travelled to the Tesco supermarket in Whaley Bridge in a silver BMW which was displaying a cloned number plate.

The group were unsuccessful in their attempts to break into the store and fled the scene empty handed.

They then went to the Weaver Service Station in Weaverham, arriving at around 12.20am on Christmas Day.

After breaking into the store, they stole more than £1,900 worth of cigarettes.

The group then drove back to Merseyside.

Murphy’s downfall came when officers examining the scene found a crowbar which contained traces of his DNA.

He was subsequently added to the national wanted list and was later arrested in Merseyside.

During questioning in custody, Murphy denied any involvement in the incidents.

Even when he was told that traces of his DNA had been found at the scene, he continued to deny all knowledge of them.

Despite his initial pleas, on appearing in court and hearing all of the evidence gathered against him, Murphy admitted to being involved in both offences.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Heatley, who led the investigation, said: “While most people were at home preparing for Christmas with family and friends, Murphy and his accomplices were travelling across Derbyshire and Cheshire intent on committing crime.

“After causing more than £800 worth of damage in their failed attempt to break into the store in Whaley Bridge, they travelled to Weaverham near Northwich to target a petrol station.

“They went on to steal almost £2,000 worth of cigarettes before fleeing the scene in their silver car on cloned plates.

“Murphy believed that he was part of the perfect crime and that officers would never be able to trace him. He was sorely mistaken.

“Murphy initially denied any involvement in the offences, but after realising that there was no way out he pleaded guilty to the charges and is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“I hope that Murphy’s sentencing provides some comfort to the victims in the case, and I would like to reassure them that we won’t give up on our efforts to trace the outstanding offenders in this case and that should any new information come to light we will act upon it.”

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Burglary, both residential and business, is a serious offence.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, I understand the impact that burglaries have on victims, which is why tackling this serious crime is one of my key priorities.

“I welcome the sentence handed to Murphy and would like to thank all the officers involved in this investigation. As a result of their work, a burglar is now behind bars.”

Share

Is there a problem with this page?

Footer navigation

We use cookies on this site to give you a better, more personalised experience.

I'm fine with cookies I'd like to manage the cookies

Cheshire Constabulary

  • Contact us
  • Find a police station
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Campaigns
  • News
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Feedback
  • Make a complaint

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the Police
  • Police and Crime Commissioner

Follow us on:

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.