A burglar who visited a bakery to scout it out before returning in a change of clothes and armed with a knife has been jailed. 

At Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (October 18), Patrick Hood, of Crescent Road, Rochdale, was sentenced after pleading guilty to burglary and possession of an offensive weapon.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), on the morning of September 24, 2020, Hood attended the bakery on Manchester Road in Rochdale to scout it out ahead of his offending.

Hood, 37, then went to an address where he changed his appearance by switching his clothes, and putting on a disposable face mask.

He also armed himself with a knife before returning to the bakery.

The Oldham Times: Images show Hood changed his clothes and put on a mask before his return to the bakeryImages show Hood changed his clothes and put on a mask before his return to the bakery (Image: GMP)

On his return, Hood stole cash in broad daylight with a number of people on the street, causing "significant distress" to the woman who was working in the shop on her own.

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Hood was identified as the suspect of the crime through CCTV footage and was sentenced this week to two years and six months in prison.

Detective Constable Russell Clarke of GMP Rochdale CID said: "[Hood's] refusal to admit what he did up to this point has compounded the victim's anguish and delayed her ability to move on.

“I hope it provides some comfort to the victim to know that Hood was the man responsible for this frightening ordeal and that he is now finally behind bars.

“There is no place for the carrying of knives in society under any circumstances and those in possession of knives - or use them to commit crimes - will be subject to a thorough investigation and ultimately prosecuted."