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Thieves warned to expect prison after officer hurt
TWO thieves who broke into student flats have been warned to expect prison sentences.
Thomas Adair and Paul Johnson were both in possession of knives when they were arrested near Malvern Villas, in Gilesgate, Durham, shortly after midnight, on Thursday, February 7.
Durham Crown Court heard that Johnson put up a struggle and a female police officer's knee was cut with a knife attempting to detain him, while Adair was arrested after climbing out of a downstairs window.
Police were earlier alerted by a student who reported hearing noises elsewhere in the accommodation block.
Two lap-top computers were recovered by officers at the scene, but the rest of the haul taken from three student flats included two other lap-tops, a digital camera, DVD and MP3 players, plus Thai currency.
Adair, 21, of The Moorlands, and Paul Johnson, 22, of Cooper Square, both in Gilesgate, Durham, each admitted three joint burglary charges, plus possession of a bladed weapon in a public place.
Johnson previously also admitted assault with intent to resist arrest.
James Adkin, prosecuting, told Tuesday's hearing that the pleas were "acceptable" to the Crown.
"Chronologically, the block was visited by Johnson and someone else at about 5pm, asking to see a friend, and by nine the three students who were burgled had left the premises.
"Then, between 9pm and 1am the burglaries took place, and Johnson and Adair returned to the property, both with knives.
"Johnson used one to injure the woman police officer and Adair was in possession of a knife after leaving a downstairs back window.
"But, there's no evidence to say they were armed with knives when they went into the students' rooms, earlier," added Mr Adkin.
Defence barristers Tony Davis, for Adair, and Peter Schofield, for Johnson, asked for reports to be prepared by the Probation Service before their clients are sentenced.
Agreeing, Judge John Evans told the duo: "The fact I'm adjourning should not cause you to think anything other a custodial sentence will be imposed for what can only be described as serious offences."
He remanded both in custody to be sentenced on August 1.
5:36pm Wednesday 2nd July 2008
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