Man who stole items from phone shop at Coliseum Retail Park jailed

A man who stole iPhones, iPads and AirPods from a phone shop at Coliseum Retail Park has been jailed for three years.

Grant Leigh, 30, of Stamford Square, Ashton-Under-Lyne, was sentenced today (Tuesday 1 February) at Chester Crown Court after pleading guilty to burglary.

The court heard that on 2 October 2021 Leigh had forced entry into the unit next to the phone shop on Coliseum Way and made holes into the wall.

The 30-year-old then returned on 3 October 2021 climbed his way through a hole in a wall to the stock room of the phone shop.

He managed to enter the stock room and take items such as iPhones, iPads, AirPods and other electronic devices believed to be worth around £66,163.38 from the shelves.

Forensic work revealed blood left at the scene was a direct DNA match for Leigh.

On 20 October 2021, officers, supported by Greater Manchester Police conducted a warrant at an address in Hyde.

He attempted to flee from officers by jumping out a first floor window into the back garden. He was arrested in a house nearby.

Leigh was charged with burglary and was remanded into custody.

Police Constable Lee Ashbrook, of Ellesmere Port Proactive team, said: “Leigh thought his plan was faultless and meticulously planned his crime with the aim of taking thousands of pounds worth of items.

“He did everything he could to evade justice – little did he know that he had left DNA at the scene and was spotted on CCTV cameras.

“As a result of the evidence we were able to gather against him he had no choice but to plead guilty to the charges against him and is now facing the consequences of his actions behind bars.”