Blyth metal thief gets swift justice

Jul 4 2008 By Paul James

A Northumberland metal thief was sent to prison the day after he committed the crime, police said today.

Christin Santa Maria, 21, of Windmill Grove, Blyth was caught stripping lead off the roof of a house in Arcot Terrace in the town at 4am on Wednesday.

The ``prolific offender" was caught, and at 10am next morning was jailed for six months by South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Courtin Bedlington.

A householder awoken by loud scrapings from the roof had seen Santa Maria jump into her back garden, landing astride the crossbar of a garden swing on the way down.

He hid in nearby bushes until caught by police directed by another resident who had been woken up by the commotion. Lead stolen from the roof was found nearby.

Inspector Bill Fawcett said: ``This swift justice shows how seriously the police and the courts are taking the current trend in metal thefts.

``Santa Maria is a prolific offender in Blyth and we will continue to target those whose criminal and anti-social behaviour affects the lives of others."