Burglars threaten to end international career

THREE men have been arrested following a burglary at the home of

Warrington’s British wheelchair fencing national champion Adrian

Derbyshire.
Raiders struck at his Leicester Street home off Lovely Lane over the weekend, making off with all his sporting equipment as well as his treasured medals.
Adrian, aged 38, estimates that the specialist equipment could be worth as much as £30,000 and is appealing to members of the public for help in tracking it down.
He believes the burglars targeted his property with the sole intention of stealing his fencing equipment, which included coaching aids used for teaching disabled children.
Two men were seen leaving his garage with the items.
“I would appeal to everyone in Warrington to ask around or keep their eyes open for this equipment.
“Without these specialist items I could be forced to retire from the Great Britain fencing squad.”
Adrian took up fencing after he was left confined to a wheelchair when his life was turned upside down when the lights literally went out as he was finishing a day at work at Starbucks four years ago.
He suffered a brain haemorrhage that left him critically ill.
But he bounced back showing true determination as he took up wheelchair fencing.
Last year he had hoped to compete inthe Paralympics and was given the honour of carrying a torch but had to withdraw from the event through injury.
Adrian competes in two categories, Epee and Sabre at an international level. He has won various medals including two Domestic Gold Medals and three Domestic Silver Medals and a National Championship, all stolen during the raid.
He has recently been sparring with Commonwealth Gold Medalist Stuart Marshall and is due to start his international season this week in London against the French.
Warrington Police are now appealing for information after specialist follwoing the arrest of three men in connection with the burglary which took place at around 7.15am on Saturday, January 19.
Items stolen, which also include tracksuits, a wheelchair battery and wheels are estimated to be valued at £20,000 to £30,000. The equipment was specially tailored to Adrian’s requirements.
DS Clare Ellis Said: “While some of the items have been recovered, there are still some outstanding. Without it Adrian won?t be able to train and as it is specifically tailored to his needs, it is only of use to him.
“We would urge anyone who is offered such equipment, or comes across such equipment to contact police.”
Meanwhile a 33-year-old man from Old Hall in Warrington and a 34-year-old man, from Great Sankey were arrested the same day along with a third man, aged 35 who was released on police bail pending further enquiries.
The 33-year-old man from Old Hall and the 34-year-old man from Great Sankey were charged with burglary and will appear at magistrates court this week.
Anyone with information or is offered sporting equipment in unusual circumstances should contact Warrington CID on 101 quoting incident number 205 of 19 January 2013.
Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.