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ADAM GALLAGHER, 41, WAS JAILED FOR TWO YEARS AFTER A SPATE OF INCIDENTS IN BLYTH 00:45, 28 May 2025Updated 09:18, 29 May 2025 A balaclava-clad burglar who terrified a young autistic boy

during a crime spree has been jailed. Adam Gallagher, 41, entered the boy's room through an open window during a spate of attempted burglaries in Blyth. Newcastle Crown Court heard

Gallagher entered a property on Claremont Terrace during the early hours of February 9 this year. The court heard the occupant was sleeping and Gallagher stole a bike after entering through

a door that had been left insecure. The court was told Gallagher, of Blyth, was arrested and released on police bail but went on to commit a number of other offences on March 3 this year.

The court heard the defendant was captured on a doorbell camera on Beaconsfield Street trying the door of a property while wearing a balaclava in the early hours. The court was told around

20 minutes later the defendant was seen at two properties on Aldborough Street. Judge Julie Clemitson said: "You terrified a 14 year old boy who was in bed at the time. You tried to

climb through his open bedroom window while wearing a face covering. WE HAVE A DEDICATED NEWSLETTER FOR COURT NEWS AND UPDATES. IT’S FREE AND YOU CAN SIGN UP TO RECEIVE IT HERE. It will keep

you up to date with all the latest court cases and sentence updates from around the North East. "He was so terrified by you coming through his bedroom window that he woke his aunt

screaming. He was a particularly vulnerable young man. Whilst you were not to know that, you must take your victims as you find them. "Unfortunately the window you chose to climb

through was the window of this particular vulnerable boy who suffers from complex autism, ADHD and learning disabilities. As a result of that experience he has been very traumatised."

The court was told the young boy had to be persuaded to go back into his room and still sleeps with the door open. The court heard that around half an hour later Gallagher was captured again

on ring doorbell footage. The court was told Gallagher was seen this time trying a door on Delaval Terrace wearing a balaclava. He was then seen moments later trying another property on the

same street, the court was told. Gallagher stole a charity toy dispenser from the Comrades Club in Blyth. Judge Clemitson said: "The machine is valued at several hundreds pounds. The

purpose of the machine was to raise funds for a children's cancer fundraiser." The court was told Gallagher was in "dire financial circumstances at the time", had been

stolen from and owed money. The court heard Gallagher was stealing to try and make money. Article continues below Gallagher, who has 22 convictions for 33 offences, pleaded guilty to five

counts of attempted burglary, one count of burglary and one count of theft. He was jailed for two years.