A hammer wielding burglar tried to dig his way out of Leeds Crown Court after being sentenced for multiple offenses.
Brandon Milligan, age 20, faced court for crimes that happened in Leeds between October and December. He stole cars and broke into a home. He carried a knife and spat on a police officer.
Milligan had been in jail for burglary before. That didn’t stop him from committing more crimes. He has no permanent address now.
Prosecutor Paul Canning told about the crimes, many of which happened on the same night, December 12. Milligan stole a Nissan Note first that night. He then stole ice cream from a freezer within a house.
The owner woke up and chased him away, the prosecutor said. Milligan fled in the stolen car. He later broke into another home.
The woman saw him with a hammer outside. He smashed the patio door and climbed inside, threatening her with the hammer. She ran out screaming for help.
Milligan stole keys to her white Audi A1 car. A neighbor heard her and called the police. Police found Milligan hiding in a garden in Seacroft.
He was aggressive, so they used spray. He spat at an officer and had a lock-knife when arrested. Milligan admitted to many crimes in court, including theft and burglary.
He also admitted assaulting a police worker. Nineteen more crimes factored into sentencing. Leanne Clements, his lawyer, explained his problems.
Milligan has PTSD and ADHD, she said. He started drugs at age nine because of a bad childhood. She said he feels sorry and wants to help his victims.
He wanted help during his last sentence and asked for counseling but didn’t get any. He knows he needs help now. Judge Singh sentenced Milligan to five years in jail.
He said Milligan has many past offenses. The judge mentioned his bad behavior in the cells. Milligan damaged stuff trying to tunnel his way out. Milligan will serve half his sentence, then he will be released on license. As he left, people told him to take it easy.