'Callous' Accrington burglar who crashed stolen car before using victims' bank cards jailed

Michael Ellison broke into a home in Turkey Street before stealing keys to a Ford Kuga and a wallet containing bank cards on April 19.

The victim was awoken to the sound of his car being revved outside of their home at around 5.30am, police said.

Around 40 minutes later, the 35-year-old crashed the Ford Kuga into a parked Ford Fiesta in Milton Street, Oswaldtwistle, but failed to stop.

He then proceeded to use the victim’s bank card three times in the space of an hour.

He was identified as a result of CCTV enquiries and was arrested.

Ellison, of Blackburn Road, Accrington, was subsequently charged with burglary, fraud by false representation, theft of a motor vehicle, driving without insurance and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

He was sentenced to 876 days (nearly two-and-a-half years) in jail at Burnley Crown Court on Monday (June 7).

Det Sgt Phil McGauley, of the East Target Team, said: "Ellison showed a callous disregard when breaking into his victim’s home - a place they were entitled to feel safe.

"He then left a trail of destruction in his wake.

"I am glad he has now been sent to prison and the public will have some respite from his offending."

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