Three Merseyside men sentenced following Chester burglary

Three men from Liverpool who broke into a house in Chester and stole a car have been sentenced.

David Lafferty, 21, Kieran Richie, 20, and Connor Edge, 18, were all sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday 25 April.

Lafferty, of Redwood Court, Liverpool, and Richie, of Caryl Street, Liverpool, were each sentenced to 26 months in prison after they pleaded guilty to burglary dwelling and theft.

Edge, of Allington Street, Liverpool was sentenced to 16 months in prison suspended for 18 months.

The court heard how on Thursday 21 March 2024 a resident on Willow Crescent awoke to find that his home had been broken into.

The man reported that the unknown offenders had stolen a number of items, including £1,000 cash, a Prada bag worth over £1,000, a £500 Fendi wallet, Ray-Ban sunglasses and a Play Station 5.

The offenders also stole the victim’s Honda Jazz which had been parked outside the address.

Following the burglary, the men went on to purchase cigarettes and tobacco using bank cards which had been stolen from the address.

An investigation was launched by detectives at Chester Proactive CID, who analysed hours of CCTV and ANPR footage which resulted in Lafferty, Richie and Edge being identified as suspects in the case.

The trio were all arrested and questioned in relation to the matter, and during further enquiries officers recovered mobile phone data which placed them at the scene of the crime.

All three men were later charged in relation to the incident.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable James Wright of Chester Proactive CID, said:

“Lafferty, Richie and Edge came to Cheshire that night thinking that it would be an easy target, and that they would be able to make some quick cash – instead they’re now facing the consequences of their actions.

“Burglary is a horrific offence, to wake up and find that an intruder has been inside your home, is something that nobody should have to experience, and the team here at Chester are committed to doing all we can to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“In this case, as a result of the evidence we gathered against them, Lafferty, Richie and Edge, had no option but to plead guilty to the charges against them and they have all now been sentenced for their roles.

“I hope the fact that this trio has been convicted will provide some closure to the victims, and some reassurance to the local community.

“I also hope that this case acts as a warning to others who are looking to come to Cheshire to commit crime. The message is clear, we will find you and you will be held accountable.”