Man diagnosed with terminal cancer went on crime spree in ‘downward spiral’

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A man diagnosed with terminal cancer began burgling sheds and houses after going on a ‘downward spiral’. Paul Daniels, 43, was told by doctors that he had a life expectancy of between five and ten years following his diagnosis.

He ‘spiralled’ into drug use and began stealing from houses in Cheadle to fund his addiction, Minshull Street Crown Court. From one shed he took £700 worth of power tools.

And from a house he stole a PlayStation and the homeowner’s wallet. He went on to splurge over £200 at local shops using the man’s bank cards. READ MORE: Ringleader of Rochdale grooming gang given equalities role at 'monster mansion' jail in move blasted as 'unbelievable' Daniels, of Wythenshawe, pleaded guilty to offences of burglary and eight counts of fraud.

Citing exceptional circumstances, the sentencing judge felt able to suspend the jail term due to Daniel’s condition. Prosecuting, Michael Goldwater said that on June 11 last year Daniels was with another man as they cycled to a house in Stockport before climbing over a fence and ‘ripping the door off’ the garden shed. “The defendant stole power tools which were valued at £700, and the damage caused to the shed cost £575,” he said.