Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 10th March 2025, at 08:30hrs
A Grimsby burglar with a penchant for purloined pantry tools is facing a four-year stretch in the clink after swiping a can opener, among other valuables, from a sleeping household.
Shaun Tomlinson, 41, of Freeman Street, found himself in hot water (or perhaps lukewarm soup, given the can opener’s involvement) after his late-night escapade went spectacularly wrong.
Grimsby Crown Court heard how Tomlinson, a man clearly not blessed with the stealth of a ninja, roused the residents of Albert Place from their slumber with a series of “loud banging” noises and the unmistakable sound of a door being forced open.
Upon investigating, the homeowners discovered a watch, mobile phone, bank card, and, bizarrely, a can opener had vanished.
Tomlinson, who apparently believes in leaving a trail of evidence like a breadcrumb-dropping Hansel, was caught on CCTV leaving the scene and returning to his residence. In his intoxicated state, he proceeded to drop the stolen goods, including the crucial can opener, like a clumsy magician fumbling his props.
Adding insult to injury (and a hefty dollop of evidence), Tomlinson’s ankle tag, a charming accessory from his previous criminal endeavours, placed him firmly at the scene of the crime.
Despite this overwhelming proof, he opted for the classic “I know nothing!” defence during questioning.
Detective Constable Wayne Martin, who probably had a good chuckle at the can opener detail, said, “Burglary is an incredibly intrusive crime, and nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home. Tomlinson is a prolific offender, who in this case, targeted sleeping homeowners, with no consideration of the long-lasting impact it would have on them.
I am pleased that Tomlinson is being held accountable for his crimes.”
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