Jail for fruit machine raider
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:22 am
A serial burglar who plundered fruit machines in 17 raids on pubs and clubs across the Black Country, has been jailed for two and a half years.
John Rhodes, who had been sent to prison on several previous occasions after facing courts 11 times for similar offences, stole thousands of pounds in the latest crime spree, a judge heard.
The 39-year-old broke into Yates Wine Lodge in Queen Square, Wolverhampton, three times in as many weeks through the same repeatedly repaired window, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told. Rhodes also got into Yates Wine Lodge in Walsall through an air vent, as well as raiding the Reflex Night Club in Wolverhampton and twice breaking into the Walkabout bar in the city centre, said prosecutor Helena Miller.
He admitted six burglaries and asked for 11 similar offences committed in the early hours over a three month period at Black Country pubs and clubs to be taken into consideration.
Rhodes from Princess Street, Wolverhampton always targeted fruit machines escaping with up to £1,000 a time. He was finally caught after being recognised on CCTV footage of the burglary at Reflex nightclub in June.
The next day officers found a carrier bag stuffed with £1 and £2 coins at his home. They also discovered a distinctive yellow bicycle used by the offender in many of the other crimes. He told police he needed money to fund his £80-a-day heroin addiction.
John Roe, defending, said: “After 24 years in the criminal justice system and on the verge of his 40th birthday he realises that he is getting too old for this game.”
Judge Michael Challinor told Rhodes: “You are a persistent burglar and the public needs to be protected from you.”
John Rhodes, who had been sent to prison on several previous occasions after facing courts 11 times for similar offences, stole thousands of pounds in the latest crime spree, a judge heard.
The 39-year-old broke into Yates Wine Lodge in Queen Square, Wolverhampton, three times in as many weeks through the same repeatedly repaired window, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told. Rhodes also got into Yates Wine Lodge in Walsall through an air vent, as well as raiding the Reflex Night Club in Wolverhampton and twice breaking into the Walkabout bar in the city centre, said prosecutor Helena Miller.
He admitted six burglaries and asked for 11 similar offences committed in the early hours over a three month period at Black Country pubs and clubs to be taken into consideration.
Rhodes from Princess Street, Wolverhampton always targeted fruit machines escaping with up to £1,000 a time. He was finally caught after being recognised on CCTV footage of the burglary at Reflex nightclub in June.
The next day officers found a carrier bag stuffed with £1 and £2 coins at his home. They also discovered a distinctive yellow bicycle used by the offender in many of the other crimes. He told police he needed money to fund his £80-a-day heroin addiction.
John Roe, defending, said: “After 24 years in the criminal justice system and on the verge of his 40th birthday he realises that he is getting too old for this game.”
Judge Michael Challinor told Rhodes: “You are a persistent burglar and the public needs to be protected from you.”
Not to be confused!