The sentencing judge described former drug addict Jade Cobden, 32, an ‘unwelcome house guest from hell’, after she broke into homes to hang out her washing and sleep in beds
Professional burglar Jade Cobden behaved like “Goldilocks” as she broke into two homes while sleeping rough, a judge has said. The brazen 32-year-old made herself at home by using the washing machine, having a kip in a bed and brushing her teeth at one property before nicking items.
At a second address, when she was “high as a kite” on drugs, she laughed at the victim’s son when he arrived to check on the house whilst his mother was in hospital. A judge has now sentenced Cobden to 20 months behind bars at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, warning her that “being homeless does not entitle you to have the attitude of Goldilocks”.
Stoke on Trent Live reports prosecutor Emily Calman revealed Cobden broke into a property in Christine Street, Bucknall, on June 28 while the homeowner was present. Miss Calman explained: “At 7am the occupier heard a sound downstairs. He went downstairs and said, ‘Hello’. He assumed it was his brother. He checked Snapchat maps for his brother’s location. It did not tally with the address.
“He saw a woman leaving via the back door through the kitchen. He caught up with the defendant at the end of his drive. She repeatedly shouted, ‘I am homeless bro, I am sorry, I will pay you £20’. She threw £20 at him.
“She was described as irate by the victim. He demanded his bags back.”
The court was told there was a JD bag from the brother’s room, a black man-bag stuffed with the defendant’s own belongings, and an old phone. She flung herself to the ground as he tried to wrestle the man-bag from her.
Cobden departed but returned shortly after to retrieve her belongings. The man handed them over and asked her to leave, which she complied with.
Miss Calman explained: “The man realised Cobden had been using the washing machine and had hung up washing to dry. She drank from a mug and took other drinks. She may have slept in the brother’s bed and may have used his brother’s toothbrush.”
A second break-in occurred at a residence on Dividy Road, Bentilee, at 1.30pm on July 2. A man was checking on his mother’s property and her dogs while she was hospitalised.
Miss Calman recounted: “He thought it was unusual the dogs were in the living room rather than the kitchen. He saw a woman unknown to him. She started to laugh. She appeared spaced out.
“He feared for his safety. He left the property and called the police. He was told by the neighbours the woman had been coming and going from the address.
“The police arrived and searched the premises. The woman left without being seen. Officers tracked down the defendant and led her back to the victim’s son. He confirmed that was the same person as in his mum’s house.”
Stolen items included candles, tobacco, food and alcohol. Cobden, of Werrington Road, Bucknall, who has a record of 31 previous convictions for 77 offences, admitted to two counts of burglary.
Robert Holt, mitigating, said Cobden requires assistance. He stated: “She needs mental health support. When she went into custody she was taking 16 millilitres of methadone. She is now down to 8 millilitres of methadone.
“She is susceptible to influences and to addiction. She was taking crack cocaine and heroin. She has realised she is becoming too old for this. In September, her children were given up for compulsory adoption. She is not able to have any further contact. She has been in custody for four months and has managed to use that time positively.”
Recorder Robert Smith said Cobden had an ‘awful record’. He stated: “On June 28 you threw a £20 note at the man. You were irate at being caught. You stole clothing, a bag, keys and an old mobile phone. You also appeared to have used a bed, a stove, smoked, knocked over a pot of paint, and used a washing machine to wash and launder your clothing.
“You had run off but you returned to the scene. You were cheeky enough to ask for some items you had left.
“You had used the house as a place of sanctuary. There was a confrontation. You conducted an untidy search of drawers and cupboards while the occupant was upstairs.
“On July 2, a man went to check on his mum’s house. You were high as a kite on drugs. He called the police. You sneaked out but were found by the police. You had stolen cigarettes, candles, alcohol, biscuits and yogurt.
“You have a very bad record for dishonesty. I accept you were homeless and desperate and also a chronic user of class A drugs. You are a professional thief with a bad record for thieving and general dishonesty.
“If you commit a dwelling burglary again you will be liable for the minimum three years. You went to two dwellings and were an unwelcome house guest from hell.
“Being homeless does not entitle you to have the attitude of Goldilocks. You are a habitual thief with a sense of entitlement. I hope you will use this time in custody to give yourself a chance when you get out.”
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