Second burglar convicted of raid at Cheshire West restaurant

Jason Buckley appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 14, where he was ordered to complete a community order and pay £500 compensation.

The 39-year-old, of Ashton Road, Oldham, had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of burglary other than a dwelling.

Buckley is the second man to be convicted in relation to the burglary at Jathra restaurant in Lostock Gralam.

Martin Craddock, 49, of Godson Street, Oldham, was jailed for 40 weeks on January 26, 2023, after he pleaded guilty to the same charge.

The court heard how Buckley and his accomplice Craddock travelled to Northwich in the early hours of Monday, October 10, last year.

The pair broke into the Manchester Road restaurant and stole cash and wine worth £2,700.

Cradock was identified as a suspect following a DNA match from blood found at the scene, along with telecoms data which placed him at the scene of the crime.

Martin Craddock, 49, of Godson Street, Oldham, was jailed for 40 weeks after pleading guilty to burglary at Jathra restaurant (Image: Cheshire Police)

Following his conviction earlier this year, officers recovered further telecoms data linking Buckley to the incident.

They also found that Craddock had transferred nearly £500 to him shortly after the burglary.

Buckley was circulated as wanted and subsequently arrested on Wednesday, March 15.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Heatley, of Northwich Proactive Policing Team, said: “I welcome the conclusion of this case and I hope that the conviction of these two men provides reassurance to local businesses and residents.

“Craddock and Buckley came to Cheshire that night thinking that it was an easy target, but as this result demonstrates this is not the case.

“We are committed to doing all we can to make Cheshire a hostile environment for criminals and will do everything we can to identify those responsible for crime in our county and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.”