A man shouted “f**k you” at a crown prosecutor after he admitted two burglaries – one at a ‘struggling’ pub and another at a pharmacy.
Jack Isaacs, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and one count of burglary with intent to steal at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 27 October.
CPS prosecutor Pauline Lambert said the defendant, of Timbrell Street, Trowbridge, was on a suspended sentence order at the time of these offences.
At around 3am on Monday 25 October, Isaacs smashed his way through the glass door of Gompels Pharmacy in Melksham before making off with £2000-worth of perfume.
Police were called to the scene when workers discovered the damage the following morning. CCTV footage showed the defendant committing the crime.
The previous week, at around 2am on Tuesday 19 October, Isaacs broke into The Stallards Inn in Trowbridge.
Ms Lambert said the landlady – who lives above the establishment – closed the pub but did not cash up as she felt tired, leaving approximately £500 in cash behind the bar.
When she went downstairs the next morning, she discovered tables and chairs had moved and the cash machine was open. The rear door was found to have been forced open.
The substantial cash amount, a charity box, alcohol and a set of keys were taken by Isaacs.
As Ms Lambert described the theft as a “significant loss” to the landlady, the defendant screamed “f**k you” at her, along with other inaudible phrases.
Taking it on the chin, she continued to describe how the offence had affected the victim.
“She runs the pub and has another job to help keep it open. She fears she won’t be able to stay open and is struggling as a result”, she commented.
Adding: “She is distraught that someone would do this and now blocks the downstairs doors with furniture when closed, hoping the noise will wake her to future intruders.
“She says she no longer feels safe in her own home.”
Isaacs also admitted entering Tesco in County Way, Trowbridge, with intent to steal. He was seen attempting to open the locked doors with a broom.
Magistrates decided their powers of sentences were insufficient and sent the case to Swindon Crown Court.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing hearing on 26 November.
- Read more stories from Wiltshire’s courts here.
