A LOOTER who preyed on flood victims has been jailed for five years for what a judge said were “mean” crimes.

Martin Howlett, 31, who blamed his decision to take advantage of the disaster on his drinking, was found with dozens of goods stolen from flood-hit property.

At Carlisle Crown Court, Judge Peter Davies said his actions had contrasted starkly with the generous community spirit which had shone through in the weeks after Storm Desmond.

Howlett, formerly of Warwick Road, Carlisle, admitted three burglaries, one attempted burglary, and theft.

Prosecutor Francis McEntee said that after the flood the defendant contacted one of his neighbours in Warwick Road claiming he still had belongings in the same house but could not get access.

He sent the man a text message, asking whether he also had property in his flat and the man told him he had gone to stay in London and that his belongings were indeed at the flat.

The following day, on January 6, said Mr McEntee, the landlady reported that the man’s flat had been burgled, the intruder gaining entry by smashing a window.

The flat was ransacked and the missing goods included a large TV and the victim’s laptop.

The next day, when the tenant returned, the flat had again been burgled. A Sky box, a table, and clothes were missing.

The prosecutor said Howlett was entitled to be in the property’s public areas but while there he had stolen tools – including a transformer.

The defendant was arrested at 3am on January 9 after he was spotted by security guards as they patrolled in the Warwick Road area and heard a loud bang from the rear of Petteril Street. They saw Howlett running away.

“He had a rucksack and he was pursued by police,” said Mr McEntee, describing how the defendant was found in an alleyway.

A householder in Petteril Street noticed that the rear handle of his back door had been sheared off, suggesting the attempted burglary, and a nearby shed had been forced open, and tools and a clock stolen.

It was this encounter that prompted a police search of the defendant’s new address, where officers found 41 items stolen from Warwick Road.

Jamie Baxter, for Howlett, said: “These offences were committed while under the influence of alcohol. He wants me to express to the court that he apologises and wholeheartedly regrets what he did.

“He’s sorry for all the people affected and ashamed.” 

Passing sentence, Judge Peter Davies told Howlett: “On December 5, 2015, Storm Desmond devastated the city of Carlisle.

“The infrastructure of the city was paralysed, homes and businesses were destroyed, and the... media captured the trauma of the ordeal. Houses had to be evacuated by young and old alike.

“Rescue and emergency services worked non-stop to aid the vulnerable. Volunteers arrived from nationwide to assist the critical rescue work.

“Charities worked tirelessly to provide food and shelter to those who had abandoned their properties. It was a remarkable demonstration of generosity, which provoked universal admiration.”

That unselfish community spirit was displayed almost without excepion, said the judge, pointing out that Howlett was the exception.

“Your offences were devious, they were mean, and they were low,” he said. “These were serious burglaries, committed at a time when the city was exposed, and the city was most vulnerable; when the entire city worked hard to help each other and stop people like you.

“Therefore, the sentence will be serious.”

The judge imposed a total sentence of five years. Howlett must also pay a victim surcharge of £120.