Thief Hides in Leisure Centre Before Making A Boozy Escape
Stowaway Bandit Raids Ferryhill Leisure Centre
Ashley Fairhurst, 33, pulled a sneaky stunt at Ferryhill Leisure Centre on February 18. As staff locked up, he hid in a storeroom, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Once the coast was clear, Fairhurst raided the bar, swiping alcohol and food before slipping out via a fire exit just before 2am.
Alarm Raised After Suspicious Break-In
The centre manager received an alarm notification and first thought the door had been blown open by the wind. But upon arrival, he found internal doors ajar. Sensing foul play, he quickly flagged it to the police.
Burglar Caught Red-Handed at Local Mini Market
Days later, Fairhurst struck again, this time climbing through a hole in Harry’s Mini Market roof just after 7am. He stuffed vapes into his pockets but was spotted and swiftly reported.
Thanks to the quick tip-off, police caught him mid-raid and arrested him on suspicion of burglary. CCTV then linked him to the leisure centre heist as well.
10 Months Behind Bars for Ferryhill Burglar
Fairhurst pleaded guilty to both burglaries at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on February 25. He was sentenced to 12 months in jail.
A/Sergeant Mick Moody, of Ferryhill Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This incident caused a great deal of anxiety to staff after learning someone was hiding in the building with unknown intentions.
“Thankfully, due to a swift public tip-off about the second burglary, police acted fast to detain Fairhurst and link him to both crimes. He’s now off the streets.”
