Jail for 'menace' after £1,500 Isle of Man shop burglary

Friday, 2 February 2024 18:54

48-year-old was on licence at time of offence

A "menace" who broke into a shop in Douglas, using a metal pole, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Michael Bergquist, 48, was caught trying to leave the Spar store in Anagh Coar in December.

He pleaded guilty to stealing cigarettes, vapes, and other items valued at £1,500 and trying to get into the store's safe.

Bergquist was on licence at the time after being released from jail following a similar offence in 2022.

Sentencing him at Douglas Courthouse Deemster Graeme Cook said: "The public need protecting from menaces like you."

The court heard police were called to the burglary just before midnight on 16 December.

CCTV footage showed him trying to escape with a bag full of stolen goods before he was caught and handcuffed by officers.

He was treated at Noble's Hospital for injuries to his hand.

The court heard he was intoxicated at the time and did not remember the incident taking place.

Deemster Cook said Bergquist was a "dishonest person" with a "litany" of previous convictions.

"I hope that you will learn your lesson eventually," he added.

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