Night of looting’ to raise cash for drugs

A HUNTINGDON man stole hundreds of pounds of property in a single "night of looting" to raise cash for drugs, a court heard.

Jonathan Quinton, 30, who has 116 previous convictions, mostly for similar offences, pleaded guilty to theft at Huntingdon Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor William Powell described the crime spree as "a shocker" and said the details of properties robbed was an "awesome list".

Mr Powell told magistrates that Quinton, of Bevan Close, Huntingdon, had moved from street to street in Godmanchester, stealing property on the evening of July 10 and morning of July 11.

"During this night of looting he left the items he had stolen in a cemetery while he continued his spree," Mr Powell said.

Quinton was finally arrested at 4am after residents of a house in Pavilion Close, Godmanchester, spotted him attempting to break into their garage, the prosecutor said.

"The suspect then threatened the police and had a quantity of drugs and a knife in his possession," he added.

It is believed Quinton's spree included at least a dozen homes or vehicles.

Elaine Havord, representing Quinton, said he was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident and had directed police to where to find the stolen items.

Quinton, who has been married for five years, stole the items to fund his drugs habit, Mrs Havord said.

Magistrates decided that their powers of punishment were insufficient, sending Quinton to Peterborough Crown Court for sentence.