A burglar who fled the scene of his crime at a residential property in Thelwall, Warrington, empty-handed on a bike, has been jailed.
Freddie Shelley, who was identified on CCTV following the burglary, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday 9 June 2026, where he was sentenced to ten months in prison.
The 32-year-old, of Lee Crescent, Stretford, had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of burglary.
Shelley’s offending began at around 5.40pm on Sunday 18 May 2025, when he forced entry into a house in Thelwall, before leaving the scene empty-handed a short time later.
An investigation was launched by local officers and Shelley was quickly identified as the suspect after officers recovered CCTV footage of him.
He was subsequently arrested on Tuesday 20 May at his home in Stretford, where officers recovered clothing matching what was worn by the offender. They also located the bike which was used to flee the scene.
Shelley refused to answer any questions put to him by officers but was later charged in relation to both burglaries.
Following the sentencing Detective Constable Hannah Barton, of Warrington Proactive CID said: “While Shelley may have fled the scene empty handed, the impact of his crime should not be underestimated.
“Burglary is a horrific offence, the effect on victims can be long-lasting and even lead to some wanting to move house once their safe space has been violated by thieves.
“That’s why we’re committed to doing all we can to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
“I hope that the sentence handed to Shelley will provide some closure to the victim and also provide reassurance to the local community.”
