Lee Deering claimed he was in the launderette to keep warm

by Keith Hunt

A crooked locksmith used his skill to break into a Maidstone launderette that has been targeted several times by thieves.

Lee Deering was “tooled up” to burgle the Washboard and Mangle, in Foley Street, to steal cash at night in December last year.

The prolific offender was jailed for 11 months today after a judge told him: “You realise in the cold light of day this offending is anti-social and there are victims.

“The lady who owns the launderette and has had repeated burglaries, not only has to clear it up and earn a living in an honest way, but I suspect she now has problems getting insurance.”

Jo Cope, prosecuting, said Deering, of Queen Elizabeth Square, Maidstone, was on bail for stealing food from Marks & Spencer in the town, when he and another man were spotted breaking into machines at the launderette.

When arrested at the scene, Deering was wearing dark clothes including two pairs of gloves. He claimed he was trying to get out of the cold.

Mrs Cope told Maidstone Crown Court the 28-year-old drug addict accused officers: “You have just set us up.”

Lee Deering was jailed for 11 months at Maidstone Crown Court

Judge Jeremy Carey said it was “pretty rich” that Deering went on to blame the police for not stopping them from breaking in.

The prosecutor said Deering, who admitted burglary and theft, had 30 previous convictions for 59 offences, including dishonesty, drugs and burglary.

He was given a suspended sentence in November last year for burgling a primary school.

Miss Yiminum Yangye, defending, said Deering needed help for alcohol and drug issues.

“He has received several custodial sentences,” she said. “On the face of it, they have not had the desired effect. He wants to change. He has a young daughter.”

Judge Carey told Deering: "You must have heard so many sentencing remarks by magistrates and judges, the reality is you simply want to know the outcome and you are not interested in knowing why.”

He added: “You are a locksmith and you have got a skill. You are not using it, except when it suits you to commit offences.”

Deering was jailed for eight months for the burglary and theft and three months consecutive for breaching the suspended sentence.