A FAGIN-LIKE figure who coerced teenage boys into burgling sheds and outhouses has been given a two-year probation order.
Durham Crown Court yesterday heard how Malcolm Ferguson, 41, went on a burgling spree with two boys, aged 14 and 16, stealing tool boxes and gardening equipment.
Ferguson, who was described as having a similar mental age to a child, was caught after a raid on a shed near his home in Southwick, Sunderland.
Ferguson, who has six previous convictions for burglary, pleaded guilty to five charges of burglary and one of handling stolen goods.
Ferguson was also referred to Sunderland Learning Disability Team and ordered to pay £250 court costs
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