Burglar helped steal £100,000 of tools from church centre in Jacksdale
A burglar who helped steal £100,000 of tools from a Jacksdale church centre and was described as “one of the most lightfingered individuals to come before the courts” has been given a second chance.
Christopher Curzon-Pollard scoped out the Agape Miracle Rain Centre, on Boat Lane, Jacksdale, with an unknown man on December 16, 2024, and returned just after midnight with an accomplice.
The accomplice unsuccessfully tried to break a glass door with a brick and Curzon-Pollard enlarged the hole with a crowbar.
In total 127 items, valued at £93,243.50, were taken, including electric drills, hammers, spanners and screw driver sets, and the pair caused £7,400 of damage.
Nottingham Crown Court heard the church used the “remote and quiet” centre to store equipment for festivals and as a meeting place.
The church was affected for 120 days and members said they felt unsafe as a result of the burglary.
Recorder Stuart Sprawson couldn’t say Curzon-Pollard was responsible for disabling the centre’s CCTV, but said “it is certain that you came to learn of the premises’ vulnerability.”
He said Curzon-Pollard’s record was “appalling” and called him “one of the most lightfingered individuals to come before the courts” with “a broad range of criminal offending” and “dishonesty running through his veins.”
The court heard he has 15 previous convictions for 26 offences between 2008 and 2024, including burglary, counterfeiting documents, and shoplifting.
Lauren Butts, mitigating, said sending him back into custody would undo the progress he has made.
At the time he was grieving the death of his mother and abusing drink and drugs, she said, but is now holding down a job, and in a steady relationship.
“I am totally a different person,” Curzon-Pollard told the judge. “I really struggled with my mum. I couldn't deal with it. I just thought I knew best.
“I thrive off going to work. I absolutely love it. I have been a total idiot. Since I have stopped drinking and taking drugs my life is so much clearer.”
Curzon-Pollard, aged 38, of Hollywell Avenue, Codnor, admitted to burglary seven days before his trial. His co-defendant will be sentenced at a later date.
On Friday he received 16 months, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation activity days. He was ordered to pay £750 compensation.