Darlington burglar threatened staff with knife after raid

Ashley Wardell and an accomplice donned balaclava and masks before they targeted Dinsdale Golf Club in the early hours of the morning but were chased off by some greenkeepers when they turned up for work.

As the staff tried to apprehend the 29-year-old he pulled out a kitchen knife from his trousers and threatened to throw a wine bottle at them.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the men could be heard laughing at the defendant as they recorded themselves on a mobile phone as they chased him from the clubhouse.

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Victoria Lamballe, prosecuting, said the pair were caught on CCTV heading towards the clubhouse while trying to conceal their identities before smashing their way into the building.

She said they managed to grab some cash from the till but failed to forced entry to the safe before filling bags with stolen booze.

“They were pursued by the greenkeepers who shouted - ‘what are you doing?’. He turned around and pulled a large kitchen knife and waved it towards them.”

As they continued to chase the defendant, he pulled up his balaclava and said he was ‘off his tits’ and didn’t care that they knew who he was and where he lived.

Police were called and the defendant was arrested shortly after, the court heard.

The 29-year-old was serving two suspended sentences at the time of his latest offending.

Ashley Wardell (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Wardell, of Pine Tree Grove, Middleton St George, near Darlington, pleaded guilty to burglary and affray following his arrest on April 24 for the armed raid.

Nicci Horton, mitigating, said her client accepted he was responsible for the offences and was open and frank with police following his arrest.

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She added: “The reason for these offences, and a large number of other offences, is his issue with alcohol.”

Recorder Abdul Iqbal KC jailed him for a total of three years and two months for all of his offences.

“You were able to force open the till and steal money,” he said. “You tried to force your way into the safe but it appears you were unsuccessful.

“When the greenkeepers turned up for work it was clear to them that you were trying to steal from the clubhouse.”