Burglar back behind bars for repeat offence

A previously convicted burglar who struck in the Barnard Castle area almost seven years ago is back behind bars after he stole scrap metal following his release from prison on licence.

In May of 2020, Brendan Cawley, now aged 61, was handed a jail sentence of six years and nine months after he plundered isolated rural properties surrounding the market town.

Cawley travelled to County Durham from his West Yorkshire home in a hired car to target properties in Teesdale earlier that year.

He struck at houses in the Barnard Castle area, breaking into five addresses in daylight while the owners were away from home.

After making untidy searches, Cawley snatched wallets, money and jewellery, some of high value, and others described by the victims as having priceless sentimental value.

Cawley was brought to book after a joint investigation by officers attached to the Durham, West Yorkshire and Lancashire police forces led to his arrest three days after his spree in early February, 2020.

He admitted five counts of burglary, a separate offence of stalking and was given the lengthy jail term at Durham Crown Court.

Cawley, of Bradford, was later released from prison on licence.

But he is back in a cell after committing a new crime in the Cumbrian village of Roundthwaite, near Tebay, on July, 25 2025.

Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard last week that Cawley had stolen scrap lead, valued between £800 and £1,000, from a man.

“In interview, Mr Cawley initially denied it, saying he had permission from the complainant’s son,” said prosecutor George Shelley.

“It transpired the complainant had no son, in fact.

“He has followed that up with a guilty plea.”

Cawley had admitted theft as he appeared in court over a video link from custody.

He was said to have 29 previous convictions for 44 offences – 32 of these for theft and similar crimes.

District judge Philip Holden heard Cawley had been returned to prison to serve the rest of his licence period, and was due for release in early December, 2026.

The judge imposed a six-week custodial term for the theft which will be served concurrently and absorbed within the licence period, as the law does not allow it to be consecutive.

Cawley must also pay a £154 mandatory surcharge.

District judge Holden told him: “Mr Cawley you have a dreadful record for dishonesty.”

After Cawley was sentenced in 2020 for his Barnard Castle crimes, a detective had stated: “This type of criminality will not be tolerated in County Durham.”