Jail for sweet factory burglar

A security guard at the Swizzels Matlow sweet factory on Albion Road on January 26 noticed two men who looked like they were stealing scrap metal from the site, High Peak Magistrates’ Court heard.

Police were called and Alan and Kyle Meighan were found nearby, prosecutor John Cooper said. CCTV footage showed Alan, 39, entering a building on the site, followed by Kyle, 21.

The pair, of Chancel Avenue, Salford, admitted burglary. Alan Meighan, who was jailed for 12 weeks, had 21 previous theft offences on his record, while Kyle had seven. Nothing was taken from the site.

Melanie Winstanley, defending, said: “This wasn’t a planned burglary. This was opportunistic. They thought they could sell items for scrap. It was an impulsive act. The opportunity arose and they chose to go into the building.”

Kyle received 12 months supervision, 80 hours’ unpaid work and a two-month curfew between 7pm and 7am. He must also pay £85 costs and a £60 surcharge.