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Man found after leaving blood when raiding charity and stealing gecko
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Man found after leaving blood when raiding charity and stealing gecko

Man found after leaving blood when raiding charity and stealing gecko
Lizzie Gecko

A man has been jailed after breaking into a charity building and causing enough damage to close it to the public.




Michael Hesketh, 39, of Buckshaw Hall Close in Chorley broke into Pet’s Corner in Astley Park on October 16, removing the door handle and opening the door. Once inside the building, he stole items and caused significant damage. He also got a Gecko named Lizzie.

Hesketh cut himself on a piece of glass when he got out and this evidence helped police identify him. It was later discovered that he had sold Lizzie for £20, although Gecko has now been returned to Pet’s Corner.

Read more: Paddy McGuinness prepares to complete the first leg of the BBC Children in Need cycle in Moor Park

He was arrested on suspicion and later charged with burglary. He pleaded guilty and was later sentenced last week (November 5) to six months for the offense and a further six months consecutive to the attempted burglary of the United Reformed Church, Chorley.

PC Simon Downes, of South Division, said: “Hesketh didn’t just steal items, he stole a live animal from a place whose purpose is to bring joy to its residents.

Michael Hesketh
Michael Hesketh

“I am grateful that Lizzie has been reunited safe and well and can continue to provide special memories to those who come to visit her.

“Hesketh was sent to prison for what he did. I hope this sends a message to anyone who thinks this kind of action is acceptable: we will find you and bring you to justice.”

An update from Pet’s Corner said: ‘We are delighted to say that Lizzie has been found and returned safely to us after three long weeks! He lost some weight, but after a vet check, he was comfortably back in the safe hands of the team.

“For now, Lizzie and our other animals will remain in a temporary location while we work towards a safe reopening. We are still closed.

“Many thanks to the police for their help, Sarah from Live Foods Leyland for generously providing live food for Lizzie and our amazing community for spreading the word and sharing our posts. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

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