Alcohol-fuelled burglars targeted student accommodation (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Alcohol-fuelled burglars targeted student accommodation

4:47pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Neil Hunter

TWO burglars are behind bars for targeting student accommodation in the centre of Middlesbrough.

Tyrone Ackerman and Andrew Millward were both said to be affected by alcohol when they broke into Teesside House on Borough Road last month.

The pair stole a flat-screen television after sneaking into the building and going into the lounge of a first-floor apartment, a court heard today (Tuesday, March 5).

Police identified the intruders from closed circuit television cameras and found them nearby - Ackerman at a pub and Millward with the telly.

Teesside Crown Court heard how both men have lengthy criminal records, which include burglary and robbery for one and violence for the other.

Ackerman, 26, has 39 previous offences going back more than ten years for things such as robbery, drugs, vehicle crime and numerous burglaries.

Millward, 24, has 35 crimes on his record including vehicle crime, drugs, shoplifting, three offences of affray and breaching a non-molestation order.

His lawyer, Salina Akhtar, said: "He was fuelled by alcohol. Had he not been, he would have had the opportunity to think about his actions.

He has expressed his remorse and understands the upset this type of offence can cause. He understands that he needs to get help."

Miss Akhtar said Millward has suffered problems in his personal life, including difficulties in gaining access to his two-year-old son.

Rachel Dyson, for Ackerman, told the court that he was "disappointed with himself" for slipping back into a life of crime after ending his last sentence.

Miss Dyson told Judge George Moorhouse he was having difficulties with other residents where he lived and turned to alcohol and other substances.

"He understands the impact this offence will have had on the people within that property, and he is annoyed with himself that he didn't stop and think."

Ackerman was jailed for two years and five months, while Millward received 12 months. Both men, of Bridge Street West, Middlesbrough, admitted burglary.

Judge Moorhouse said the men hoped to sell the television to get money for alcohol.