Man stole from neighbours

A MAN stole cash and jewellery worth more than £1,200 from neighbours while supposedly feeding their cat while they were on holiday.
Wayne Molloy, 36, of Mawdsley Avenue, Woolston, Warrington, had known the couple for years, often did odd jobs at their house and even drove them to the airport, Warrington Crown Court was told.
He pleaded guilty to burglary and was given a 10-month jail sentence, suspended for two years and ordered to pay £1,232 compensation to Mr and Mrs John Owens.
He was also ordered to complete a Home Office “Think First” programme.
David Jones, prosecuting, said Molloy was given the Owens’ keys so he could feed their cat while they were away, and generally look after the property.
Instead, he searched through drawers, stealing £932 in cash and diamond earrings worth £300.
When the couple returned they found items had disappeared, including bundles of notes which had been hidden in Mrs Owens’ underwear drawer.
Police found Molloy’s fingerprints on one of the drawers but he at first blamed two men who had visited his house and taken the Owens’ keys without his knowledge.
Michael Davies, defending, said Molloy had never before been convicted of burglary and had kept out of trouble for eight years.
Judge Thomas Teague told Molloy: “You were supposed to be feeding the cat, but instead you were burrowing through drawers, including Mrs Owens’ underwear drawer.”