A BURGLAR was caught stealing copper piping from empty commercial premises in Ely after police received an anonymous tip-off. Officers were told that two men were seen in Potters Lane, one having a pair of bolt croppers up his shirt. Police searched a ve

A BURGLAR was caught stealing copper piping from empty commercial premises in Ely after police received an anonymous tip-off.

Officers were told that two men were seen in Potters Lane, one having a pair of bolt croppers up his shirt.

"Police searched a vehicle and found two feet of copper piping in the boot," said prosecutor Emma Dmitriev. "The premises were searched, and Mark Wilson-Storey was found hiding in a passageway."

Wilson-Storey, 27, of Rotherham, had left footprints inside the premises, and photos were taken of piping being taken down in the building.

"This was a burglary at a disused industrial site in Angel Drove. The premises were disused and insecure," said solicitor Christina Metcalfe.

She said Wilson-Storey was a former soldier. He suffered from mental health problems so would not be suitable to undertake unpaid work.

Wilson-Storey had arrived at court with his suitcase already packed, and was jailed for two months.