A convicted burglar who targeted Raheem Sterling‘s Cheshire mansion along with several other properties has had his own home taken off him.
Thomas Mee had already been jailed for more than eight years, but after a hearing 16 November, Cheshire Police has now confirmed a judge ruled that he had benefitted from his crimes to the sum of £586,117.36 – and as a result, had now had his home taken from him under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
The 45-year-old was part of a gang who stole more than £600,000 after committing at least 14 burglaries at addresses in Cheshire, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire, Buckinghamshire, and Warwickshire between November 2018 and October 2019.
The group specifically-targeted homes in affluent rural locations.
They were said to have stolen high-value watches, designer handbags, and jewellery that came to be worth more than half-a-million pounds.
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Thomas Mee was part of a gang who stole more than £600,000 after committing at least 14 burglaries / Credit: Cheshire Police
Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit began an investigation into the gang, and then began piecing together evidence that linked the trio to burglaries across Goostrey, Neston, Allostock, Mere, Chelford, and Lymm.
Mee’s downfall eventually came on 5 October 2019 when police received a 999 call from a resident in Prestbury reporting that a family member had disturbed intruders at their home.
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He was arrested while attempting to flee the property, and was subsequently charged with the burglaries, all before he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle and three counts of handling stolen goods.
Footballer Raheem Sterling’s mansion in Cheshire was one of the homes targeted / Credit: Raheem Sterling (via Instagram)
Mee was sentenced to eight years and seven months imprisonment at Chester Crown Court on Friday 31 July 2020.
Police explained that the sum of £586,117.36 Mee had “benefitted” from has been determined from equity in his home in Liverpool – which will need to be sold – along with cash, jewellery, designer clothing, and funds recovered from bank accounts.
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The court has also ordered Mee to pay £249,012.17 within the next three months, or face a further two years imprisonment.
Featured Image – Cheshire Police
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
15th December 2022 
