• Contact us
  • About us
  • Digital edition
  • Online archive
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Cumberland and Westmorland Herald
  • News
    Multiple fire crews tackle roof fire in Crosby Ravensworth

    Multiple fire crews tackle roof fire in Crosby Ravensworth

    Free domestic abuse support drop-in service launches in Penrith

    Free domestic abuse support drop-in service launches in Penrith

    Penrith bar relaunched with vibrant events planned

    Penrith bar relaunched with vibrant events planned

    Penrith Beacon access closed after vandalism

    Penrith Beacon access closed after vandalism

    Fire crews spend six hours tackling blaze at timber firm’s headquarters

    Fire crews spend six hours tackling blaze at timber firm’s headquarters

    £15 million luxury care home plans for Penrith

    £15 million luxury care home plans for Penrith

    Changes to business rates

    Changes to business rates

    Tesco Express opens doors in Penrith

    Tesco Express opens doors in Penrith

    Nursing award for Penrith’s Fay Dudson

    Nursing award for Penrith’s Fay Dudson

  • Sport
    Penrith teen crowned British vault champion

    Penrith teen crowned British vault champion

    Penrith gymnasts represent North of England in finals

    Penrith gymnasts represent North of England in finals

    New boss revealed for Penrith AFC

    New boss revealed for Penrith AFC

    Penrith Panthers celebrate winning season

    Penrith Panthers celebrate winning season

    Darren Edmondson leaves Penrith AFC

    Darren Edmondson leaves Penrith AFC

    Lucy plays key role in county T20 triumph

    Lucy plays key role in county T20 triumph

    Gold for Keith in annual festival of orienteering

    Gold for Keith in annual festival of orienteering

    Cumberland and Westmorland wrestlers head to European championships

    Cumberland and Westmorland wrestlers head to European championships

    Kirkby Stephen Hockey Club win league title

    Kirkby Stephen Hockey Club win league title

  • Obituaries
  • Nostalgia
  • Online archive
  • Buy Photos
  • Buy your paper
  • North Lakes Living
No Result
View All Result
Cumberland and Westmorland Herald
  • News
    Multiple fire crews tackle roof fire in Crosby Ravensworth

    Multiple fire crews tackle roof fire in Crosby Ravensworth

    Free domestic abuse support drop-in service launches in Penrith

    Free domestic abuse support drop-in service launches in Penrith

    Penrith bar relaunched with vibrant events planned

    Penrith bar relaunched with vibrant events planned

    Penrith Beacon access closed after vandalism

    Penrith Beacon access closed after vandalism

    Fire crews spend six hours tackling blaze at timber firm’s headquarters

    Fire crews spend six hours tackling blaze at timber firm’s headquarters

    £15 million luxury care home plans for Penrith

    £15 million luxury care home plans for Penrith

    Changes to business rates

    Changes to business rates

    Tesco Express opens doors in Penrith

    Tesco Express opens doors in Penrith

    Nursing award for Penrith’s Fay Dudson

    Nursing award for Penrith’s Fay Dudson

  • Sport
    Penrith teen crowned British vault champion

    Penrith teen crowned British vault champion

    Penrith gymnasts represent North of England in finals

    Penrith gymnasts represent North of England in finals

    New boss revealed for Penrith AFC

    New boss revealed for Penrith AFC

    Penrith Panthers celebrate winning season

    Penrith Panthers celebrate winning season

    Darren Edmondson leaves Penrith AFC

    Darren Edmondson leaves Penrith AFC

    Lucy plays key role in county T20 triumph

    Lucy plays key role in county T20 triumph

    Gold for Keith in annual festival of orienteering

    Gold for Keith in annual festival of orienteering

    Cumberland and Westmorland wrestlers head to European championships

    Cumberland and Westmorland wrestlers head to European championships

    Kirkby Stephen Hockey Club win league title

    Kirkby Stephen Hockey Club win league title

  • Obituaries
  • Nostalgia
  • Online archive
  • Buy Photos
  • Buy your paper
  • North Lakes Living
No Result
View All Result
Cumberland and Westmorland Herald
No Result
View All Result
Home Latest

Penrith burglar went on stealing spree in bid to clear drug debt

by CWH
7 January 2021
in Latest, News
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Carlisle Crown Court

A Penrith burglar was detained while embarking on a rural crime spree to clear a drug debt.

Carlisle Crown Court heard outbuildings at three remote properties were targeted during the early hours of October 19.

CCTV first captured two figures – including 36-year-old Michael John Torrance – gaining entry to a building at Stoneybeck, near Penrith, before leaving with a £300 chainsaw.

Other outbuildings at Maidenhill around 2km away were then broken into, one man leaving his home to investigate after hearing a bang.

“He ran to the barn, discovered two males, one Mr Torrance,” said prosecutor Megan Tollitt.

“On shining a torch both males ran but he was able to take hold of one, the defendant, and detain him on the ground.

“Police were called by his partner and were attended thereafter.”

From a separate building nearby, hedge-cutters and a leaf blower had been removed and damage caused.

Torrance made admissions when interviewed and was said to have taken Valium due to a mental health downward spiral.

“He referred to owing a lot of money from a previous drug debt, and admitted he and the other male were out looking to steal,” said Ms Tollitt.

One householder described feeling “anxious, frustrated and annoyed”.

The prosecutor added: “He worries constantly that Mr Torrance and/or his accomplice may return one day.”

Torrance, of Norfolk Road, Penrith, admitted burglaries of the outbuildings, one with intent to steal.

The court heard of his 86 previous offences.

He had not been in prison for a decade but had been in custody since October 20, missing a child’s birthday and Christmas with his family.

“He knows he needs to do better,” said his lawyer, Marion Weir. “He is determined to do better.”

Judge Nicholas Barker suspended a 16-month jail term for two years, and ordered Torrance to complete 220 hours’ unpaid work, rehabilitation and a two-month night time curfew.

“You are fortunate today,” said the judge. “It is my hope that this will be the last time that you appear before the courts.”

Torrance replied: “Mine as well.”

But Judge Barker warned: “If you are stupid enough not to do so, you can expect the full weight of the court to be used on the next occasion.”

Related Posts

Multiple fire crews tackle roof fire in Crosby Ravensworth
Latest

Multiple fire crews tackle roof fire in Crosby Ravensworth

30 May 2025
Free domestic abuse support drop-in service launches in Penrith
News

Free domestic abuse support drop-in service launches in Penrith

30 May 2025
Penrith bar relaunched with vibrant events planned
Food and Drink

Penrith bar relaunched with vibrant events planned

30 May 2025
Penrith Beacon access closed after vandalism
Latest

Penrith Beacon access closed after vandalism

30 May 2025
Fire crews spend six hours tackling blaze at timber firm’s headquarters
Latest

Fire crews spend six hours tackling blaze at timber firm’s headquarters

29 May 2025
£15 million luxury care home plans for Penrith
Latest

£15 million luxury care home plans for Penrith

26 May 2025
No Result
View All Result

Stay connected

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Most popular

Penrith teen crowned British vault champion

Penrith teen crowned British vault champion

30 May 2025
Free domestic abuse support drop-in service launches in Penrith

Free domestic abuse support drop-in service launches in Penrith

30 May 2025
Sheep showing season begins

Sheep showing season begins

30 May 2025
Multiple fire crews tackle roof fire in Crosby Ravensworth

Multiple fire crews tackle roof fire in Crosby Ravensworth

30 May 2025
Penrith Beacon access closed after vandalism

Penrith Beacon access closed after vandalism

30 May 2025
Fire crews spend six hours tackling blaze at timber firm’s headquarters

Fire crews spend six hours tackling blaze at timber firm’s headquarters

29 May 2025
Cumberland and Westmorland Herald Logo

33 Middlegate
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 7SY

Phone: 01768 862313
Email: news@cwherald.com

Registered in England as Barrnon Media Limited. No: 12475190
VAT registration number: 343486488

Explore

  • News
  • Sport
  • Farming
  • Property
  • Obituaries
  • Nostalgia
  • Your view

Useful links

  • Contact us
  • Photosales
  • Online archive
  • Buy your paper
  • Digital edition
  • North Lakes Living
  • Advertise
  • About us

Follow us on

© Barrnon Media Limited 2025

Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy / Cookie Policy

This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation
IPSO Logo
Review Your Cart
0
Discount
Add Coupon Code
Subtotal
Total Installment Payments
Bundle Discount
Checkout

 
0
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Sport
  • Obituaries
  • Nostalgia
  • Online archive
  • more
    • North Lakes Living
    • Buy Photos
    • Buy your paper
    • About us
    • Contact us

© 2020 Cumberland & Westmorland Herald