Belfast man ‘wanted to go back to prison’ after being caught burgling house

During an interview, he said: “I’m addicted to crack cocaine so my only escape is prison”

A Belfast man who told police he wanted to go back to prison after being caught burgling a house was jailed for 12 months today.

When he is released from custody Thomas Samuel Rodgers – who has 109 previous convictions – will spend an additional 20 months on licence. The 44-year old, from Finmore Court in the east of the city, was sentenced for two counts of burglary and one count of possessing cannabis.

Belfast Crown Court heard that on October 7 last year, police received a report regarding an ongoing burglary at a property on Ardenlee Avenue.

When officers arrived at the scene, they heard a noise in the upstairs of the property and after they entered the house, they encountered Rodgers coming down the stairs. Following his arrest, he told police he had gained entry through an open rear window and that he wanted to be taken back to jail.

He was searched and his pockets were stuffed with items taken during the burglary including jewellery.

Rodgers was also found to be in possession of cannabis and he disclosed to police that he brought a hammer to the property, which was located by officers. On the same date, police attended a second property on the Cregagh Road in Belfast which had also been burgled.

The rear door of this house had been smashed, with the homeowner reporting that bedrooms had been rummaged through and items including jewellery were missing.

All items stolen during the two break-ins were located on Rodgers and returned to their owners.

During an interview, Rodgers made admissions to police and said ‘I need to go to prison. I’ve found myself in a dodgy position where I’m selling drugs and I’m addicted to crack cocaine so my only escape is prison.’

Defence barrister Michael Ward accepted last October’s offending was committed whilst his client was on bail. Mr Ward also spoke of the progress Rodgers has made during his period in custody on remand.

Judge Sandra Crawford said she noted further defence submissions including a Probation Report outlining the death of Rodgers partner in 2022 which he said led to a return to drug misuse after a period of abstinence.

Also outlined in his defence were physical health issues including kidney and heart disease linked to his drug use, which began when he was aged 12. Judge Crawford spoke of the impact Rodgers offending has had on the homeowners whose properties he targeted.

She told Rodgers: “Although all the property taken was recovered, the statements of the householders nonetheless demonstrate a degree of distress and upset arising from your violation of the security of their homes and privacy.”

She added that whilst the offending was relatively unsophisticated, Rodgers brought a hammer which indicated a degree of planning.

Noting that Rodgers has expressed remorse, insight and a desire to address his addiction issues and break the cycle of re-offending, Judge Crawford spoke of the need for “sustained engagement” and support to both rehabilitate him and protect the public from the risk of further offending.

She imposed the 32-month sentence which she divided between 12 months in custody and 20 months on supervised licence. Judge Crawford also issued a destruction order for the cannabis seized.

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