Coogan targeted by burglar (From The Argus)

Coogan targeted by burglar

2:34pm Friday 6th July 2007 in News By Ali Cridland

Comedian Steve Coogan may have learnt about a life of crime when he starred in the movie The Parole Officer but it did not stop him from being targeted by a burglar.

The TV star's home in Hove became the latest target of Ashley Parker, who has committed more than 50 burglaries.

Parker, 29, tried to break into Alan Partridge star Coogan's luxury house in Wilbury Road in the early hours of January 29 this year.

But a neighbour, Lawrence Latham, heard noises and when he looked out of the window he could see the would-be burglar prowling around.

Mr Latham alerted police who arrived before Parker got inside.

Coogan was out of the country at the time but a house-sitter, who was staying at the large double-fronted detached property, was at home.

Parker, a heroin addict, was seen trying to open windows before climbing on to a wall and over the roof of an adjoining garage.

Stephen Shay, prosecuting at Lewes Crown Court, said as officers arrived at 4am Parker was leaving the property by a side gate.

He told police he was just trying to find somewhere to urinate.

But Park had left shoe marks around the property as he searched for a way to get inside. Tests proved they matched shoes Parker was wearing and he later admitted attempting to burgle the house to steal to get cash to pay for his drug habit.

While he was in custody he admitted committing 14 other burglaries in the Brighton and Hove area and stealing property worth more than £15,000.

Parker, of Cromwell Road, Hove, also has previous convictions for wounding and possessing heroin.

Julian Woodbridge, defending, said since his arrest Parker had sought to change his life. He has successfully completed the first month of a year-long drug rehabilitation programme.

He said: "My client fully accepts what he did. He has done his level best to address the problem at the source of his offending, his addiction to heroin. He has done everything he can to put his life back on track."

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall said he considered sending Parker to prison for three years for the offences. But instead he was giving him a chance to beat his addiction by attending the drug rehabilitation programme.

He told Parker he had a dreadful record of committing serious offences. But he added: "No court wishes to crush a person who is trying to lead a well-behaved and responsible life for the first time in years."

Parker was sentenced to 12 months in jail suspended for two years. He was also made the subject of a supervision order for 18 months with a condition he continues to attend the drug rehabilitation programme.

The judge commended Mr Latham for his "exemplary conduct."