Young couple who broke into Wisbech house, slept there overnight and stole watch, at risk of prison sentence

A young couple broke into a Wisbech house, stole a widower’s expensive watch and then slept there are at risk of going to prison.

Josh Smith, 21, and Ruby Morton, 18, appeared at King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where they both admitted an offence of burglary.

Smith, of Phoenix Square, St Neots, also admitted having a knife in his possession in a public place.

Prosecutor Jackie Hamlon told the court that between the dates of December 13 and 14 last year, Morton and Smith gained entry to a property on Bucksholt Road in Wisbech.

The property was unoccupied at the time because the homeowner was completing renovations.

Ms Hamlon said that Smith told police that he “wanted to spend some time with his partner” and that they spent the night at the property.

The following morning, the pair were seen coming out of the property, with Morton, of Wheatsheaf Close in Ely, seen leaving the house wearing a balaclava.

Smith was located at the back of the property on a bike and had two knives in his possession.

Police noticed that screws on the garage door had become loose and believed that was how Morton and Smith had gained entry to the property.

While the pair were being arrested, officers noticed the Traser Master Chronograph watch on Smith’s wrist. The watch is valued at around £550 and was of great sentimental value to the owner - as it belonged to his late wife.

In mitigation, George Sorrell said that “things are looking up” for Smith and Morton since they committed the offence.

Mr Sorrell said that the pair, who once lived together in Wisbech, no longer reside with each other and that Morton, who was in care, is seeking help through a personal advisor.

“The probation service might be able to help them further,” said Mr Sorrell.

Both Smith and Morton were sent for an all options pre-sentence report to be carried out before they hear their fate. This means they are at risk of facing a spell in prison.

They will return to the King’s Lynn court on May 22 and have been released on conditional bail, with orders not to break a 10pm to 6am curfew.