Raider targets cadets in triple raid anguish

David Kear stole more than £1,600 of property from the base including an outboard motor and specialised tools.

Kear, 34, of The Mariners, Haven Road, Lytham, pleaded guilty to three offences of burglary.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks’ jail suspended for 12 months, ordered to do up to 35 days rehabilitation supervised by the probation service and ordered to pay £320 compensation plus a £180 court charge by Blackpool magistrates.

Prosecutor Martine Connah said Kear broke into Lytham Sea Cadets base in Haven Road, Lytham, three times between February 15 and June 1.

He caused damage to property, including a fence, metal locker and door, and stole a boat engine, specialised tools and a case of beer.

A victim impact statement by cadets chairman Pauline Clayton said because of the break-ins events such as a charity dinner had had to be cancelled.

This had resulted in a loss of about £1,000 in charity money.

There was also expense for extra security measures at the base.

Ms Clayton said she would now not go to the base alone and stress had been caused to herself and others because of the burglaries.

Suzanne Mugford, defending, said her client, who suffered from mental health problems, had pleaded guilty to the offences at the first opportunity.

Kear was taking medication and had committed no more crimes since.