CCTV alerted two South Shields householders to a prolific car criminal on their driveways
A car criminal has been hit with a community order after targeting two vehicles in South Shields.
A prolific car criminal struck fear into two South Tyneside householders when he interfered with their motors at night, a court heard.
Kier Ruffell, 35, targeted the neighbouring properties in North Avenue, Harton, South Shields, on Monday, September 28.
Ruffell accidentally alerted one victim when he tripped a CCTV camera, prosecutor George Johnston told borough magistrates.
That led the householder to tip off his neighbour when the homeless offender moved towards his driveway and is believed to have resulted in police being called.
‘Felt sick and nervous’
In a statement read to the court, the victim with CCTV said he “felt sick and nervous that people like that are moving around at night”.
He also revealed he had felt frightened to report Ruffell to police for fear of repercussions.
His neighbour, also in a victim personal statement, said he was concerned criminals were stalking the streets at night.
Magistrates heard homeless offender Ruffell had a criminal record of 21 previous thefts from cars and 23 offences of motor vehicle interference.
He turned up late for his court appearance and when he arrived, was denied admittance by security staff for an unspecified reason.
Community order imposed
The case against him went ahead in his absence and he pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with a motor vehicle interference, via his solicitor.
Mr Johnston said: “The defendant attended the driveways of two properties in North Avenue and attempted to enter vehicles parked on these driveways.
“The defendant was seen by one of the residents, due to a notification given by CCTV.
“He notified his neighbour that the defendant had moved to the driveway of his property.”
The court heard Ruffell was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 20 rehabilitation days, for same type offences on Friday, September 4.
In a report, the Probation Service said Ruffell had issues with substance misuse and had an “eclectic mix of criminogenic needs”.
It also revealed he had sought voluntary help with a South Tyneside-based drug and alcohol recovery service.
Ian Cassidy, defending, made only minor mitigation.
Magistrates revoked Ruffell’s existing community order and replaced it with one of 18 months and ordered him to pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.