Rochdale man sentenced to five years' imprisonment for burglary

A Rochdale man has been sentenced to five years and eight months' imprisonment after being convicted of burglary.

Bernard Ward (27/10/1977) of Kirkholt, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester on Friday (1 June).

It is understood he pleaded guilty to burglary, plus theft and fraud by false representation and taking a vehicle without consent.

Ward stole car keys from a patient at The Highfield Hospital on Manchester Road in November 2017.

The stolen car was later found burnt out.

Ward has 100 previous convictions of burglaries against the elderly in their homes. He would regularly visit homes of the elderly as a fraudulent builder, stealing money, cars and other valuables.