Man jailed following burglaries at Winsford bar

A man who broke into a bar in Winsford twice in three days has been jailed.

At around 8pm on Wednesday 10 September police were called to reports of two burglaries at the Hive in Winsford. The caller reported that an unknown man had broken into the address on two separate occasions.

The first incident occurred on Sunday 7 September, when the man forced entry into the building via the fire escape. Once inside he stole approximately £100 and several bottles of alcohol.

Then, on Tuesday 9 September, the same man returned to the premises and again forced entry via the fire escape. This time he used a crowbar to steal around £500 from the fruit machine and again stole several bottles of alcohol.

Following the report, an investigation was launched, and David McElligott was quickly identified as the prime suspect.

The 48-year-old was arrested at his home on Granville Square, Winsford, on Wednesday 10 September, and during questioning he made no comment. Despite his silence, he was charged with two counts of burglary other than a dwelling.

McElligott appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Thursday 11 September. He pleaded guilty to both of the offences and was immediately sentenced to nine months in prison.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant John Lyons, of Northwich Proactive CID said:

“This is a great result, within less than 24-hours of these incidents being reported, McElligott was arrested, charged and jailed.

“I welcome the sentence that has been handed to him, and I hope that it provides reassurance to the local business community and to residents across Winsford.”