Cheshire: Pair jailed at Chester Crown Court following burglaries

Adam Donoghue, 33, of HMP Altcourse, was sentenced to eight years and six months imprisonment, while Peter Neary, 39, of Preston Prison, was sentenced to six years and nine months imprisonment on Tuesday, March 21.

They both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit commercial burglary.

The court heard how the duo targeted 14 premises across Cheshire and Wirral between July 3, 2021, to December 12, 2021.

Officers from Chester Proactive Team began an investigation into the duo when they targeted a store in the city on November 13, 2021.

During most of the incidents the pair used a distraction technique to commit their offences, Donoghue would approach a staff member and asked to speak to the manager.

He would then complain that a family member had been sold a vape or alcohol when they were underage.

While this was going on, Neary would attempt to access stockrooms or office spaces with the aim of taking quantities of cash.

In later offences, the duo became more brazen, threatening to follow staff members home and on one occasion Neary told staff: ‘Go on ring the police see what’s going to happen.’

It is estimated the pair took thousands of pounds of cash and cigarettes.

The pair were arrested on February 2, 2022, after officers pieced together CCTV footage and forensics taken from two incidents in Wirral – one being fingerprints on a Lunchables box. They were subsequently charged with the offences the next day following questioning.

Detective Constable Richard Connolley said: “Donoghue and Neary thought they were untouchable, attempting to target premises across Cheshire and Merseyside in a bid to be undetectable.

“However, as they continued, the more careless they became, and our officers were already onto them.

“This sentence is a great result and will see Donoghue and Neary behind bars for a substantial amount of time.

“We will continue to do all we can to crackdown on those who think they can come into Cheshire to commit crime.”