Burglar back behind bars after break-in weeks after release from custody

'Smash and grab' at SPAR in Anagh Coar

A prolific burglar from Douglas is back behind bars after breaking into a shop in Douglas just weeks after he was released from prison.

Michael Daniel Bergquist, of Lheannag Park, appeared at Douglas Courthouse where he pleaded guilty to stealing from SPAR on 16 December.

The 48-year-old used a metal pole to force entry into the shop, on Cushag Road, just after 11.30pm.

Once inside he stole cigarettes, tobacco, vaping products, a carrier bag and a jar of coffee.

Police arrested him as he was emerging from the store.

When they reviewed CCTV footage they saw him leaving the shop and stashing the goods in the bag - which he’d placed in the alleyway - before returning.

Bergquist was taken to hospital after sustaining an injury to his hand during the break-in; at the hospital he told officers: “I don’t believe what I’ve just done.”

The prosecutor told the court: "It really was a smash and grab."

The court was told Bergquist had been jailed in February this year for 20 months, after breaking into a technology shop on Christmas Day 2022, but was out on licence.

Bergquist’s advocate told the court his client had ‘developed a habit’ of committing commercial burglaries adding: “This is something of a cry for help.”

A social enquiry report has been requested before Bergquist is sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

There was no application for bail and he was remanded at the Isle of Man Prison until 2 February.

Update: At Douglas Courthouse on 2 February Bergquist was jailed for 18 months - you can find out more HERE.