Boat burglar jailed

A MAN who broke into a narrowboat moored on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed for eight months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Richard Ollerhead broke into the boat that was moored by Bridge 122 at Festival Park, whilst the owners went for a walk, discovering him rummaging through the contents when they returned, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Took photograph

As the burglar ran out, one of the boaters took a photograph of him, so contacted the police showing the photograph that led to a quick arrest.

At the hearing Richard Ollerhead claimed the boat belonged to a friend of his and he was allowed on it, then claimed it was an 'impulsive offence', though it was read out that he had 39 previous convictions for 91 offences.