Bungling burglar falls and drops loot as caught red-handed due to house viewing, court hears
A burglar was caught red-handed climbing out of a window with a television by an estate agent who had come to show clients around the property, a court heard.
The bad luck of Andrew McNabb continued when he fell off a wall, banged his head and dropped his loot while trying to escape from the house in Madeley.
The dazed burglar was pinned to the ground by two builders who had heard the commotion.
His sidekick made good his escape.
McNabb, of Henley Drive, Newport, pleaded guilty to one count of burglary of a dwelling when he appeared at Telford Magistrates Court yesterday.
Speaking after the hearing, the estate agent, who asked not to be named, said: "I couldn't believe it.
"It was quite surreal to see two young lads coming out of the window. It took me a couple of seconds to adjust to what was happening."
She said she was relieved to have the help of the staff from building company MV Kelly as she had been visiting the property on her own.
Mr Mike Phillips, prosecuting, said a member of staff at Harwood Estate Agents, in Broseley, had turned up at the property on Station Road expecting to meet prospective buyers, but instead found two males climbing out of the window.
A third man was seen shouting at them from the other side of the road.
The defendant was seen climbing out of the window and running along a wall carrying a television, but fell and hit his head on the driveway, momentarily dazing himself.
"The defendant tried to run off and he was restrained by a couple of builders who were working nearby," said Mr Phillips.
The court was told McNabb had stolen a television, DVD player and jewellery to the value of £1,375.
Magistrates heard that the 30-year-old had previously been convicted of 36 offences for dishonesty, seven commercial burglaries and one dwelling burglary. He also had six convictions for failing to surrender.
Mr Phillips added the defendant had "a history of non-compliance with court orders".
"His record concerning offending is substantial," he said.
For McNabb, Mr Oliver Nicholas made no representations.
Magistrates committed the case for sentencing at Shrewsbury Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.
