Serial South Yorkshire burglar high on drugs told police he 'felt as though he was invisible'

John Pinnock, aged 37, of Elliott Court, in Rotherham town centre, struck at the same garage near Clifton Lane, Rotherham, on August 5 and August 7, according to a Sheffield Magistrates’ Court hearing.

Paul Canfield, prosecuting, told the hearing on September 16: “He was seen on CCTV to walk around the rear of numerous properties near the offence location and then was seen to try a nearby car door to see if that would open and the defendant broke into a garage.”

Mr Canfield added items were moved around during the raid on August 5 before the defendant was seen running away with a mountain bike and a bag of unknown possessions.

The court heard how police discovered fingerprints linked to the defendant.

Pinnock returned to the garage on August 7 but was overheard by the owner’s partner and he left behind a bag, a kitchen lighter and a face mask.

Mr Canfield said: “He was stopped and arrested about a week later and he said he was high on drugs on August 5 and had felt as though he was invisible and was walking around the streets looking for a place to stay and looking for crime.”

Pinnock added if he had found anything in the car he would have taken it.

The defendant, who has previous convictions including two burglaries, pleaded guilty to burglary, attempted burglary and to interfering with a vehicle.

Sal Alnoud, defending, said the offences appeared to be drug-related and requested a probation report before sentencing.

Magistrates adjourned the case until October 9.