Hebburn thief stole £30,000 from a home then accidently left it in a taxi
A thief accidentally left £30,000 cash in a taxi after he stole it from a man's home.
Dean Thompson took the money from under the victim's floorboards and then boasted to the cabbie about having it.
Newcastle Crown Court heard it was on March 18 this year that Thompson visited his former partner while she was house-sitting for her new boyfriend.
The court heard Thompson became aware there was £30,000 cash hidden beneath floorboards at the man's home.
He took it and after getting a taxi, he bragged to the driver about having the money.
However, when he got out, he left the cash in the cab, although it was later returned to him.
On June 3, Thompson went back to the victim's home and broke in, stealing items including a bottle of alcohol, cheese and two knives. He was captured on CCTV and arrested.
The victim said he was left feeling unsafe and in fear of being further targeted after word got out that he had been keeping such a large amount of cash in his home.
Thompson, 39, of Spencer Street, Hebburn, who has 98 previous convictions, including burglary and other dishonesty offences, pleaded guilty to theft and burglary.
He was jailed for 26 months and prosecutors have now started proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize any assets Thompson may have.
Sophie Allinson-Howells, defending, said Thompson had a difficult childhood and had a long history of substance misuse and addiction.
She added that he had taken steps to address his offending behaviour while remanded in custody, where he has used his time positively.