Austin Haliday, homeless, broke into a Leicester museum seeking food, causing damage. He received a two-week sentence.
Police caught Haliday because he left blood. This happened on Wednesday, January 8th. The museum alarms went off at 9:45 p.m. The court hearing took place on Friday, February 8th.
Police arrived at the museum thirteen minutes later. They saw the broken window and blood. The staff area was accessible, but the museum itself remained secure. Apparently, nothing was stolen, and the museum matters a lot to Leicester. Police listed this as a heritage crime.
Haliday’s lawyer argued against a harsher punishment, citing that the fire door lacks historical value. Historic objects weren’t damaged or stolen, and public access wasn’t affected. He maintained that Haliday looked for food and a place to sleep.
Haliday had entered the staff area through a side door. He had previously been jailed for burglary, receiving an eighteen-month sentence. He was released early before this incident and appeared from HMP Ranby via video.
The magistrates gave Haliday a two-week sentence, which won’t change his release date. He must pay the museum £100 after release. Haliday said he was sorry for the break-in and acknowledged its importance too.