AN early-morning raider who burgled a Knutsford fish and chip shop causing more than £5,500 of damage has been slapped with an electronically-monitored curfew.

Benjamin Gibney, formerly of Northwich, was spotted climbing through the Velux window of Hooked on the Heath at around 5.55am on Friday, September 13.

The 37-year-old, now of Weaver Road, Frodsham, fled from the scene with £150 cash after causing thousands of pounds worth of damage at the Northwich Road chippy.

A police investigation into the incident, which analysed CCTV and ANPR images, led to the identification of Gibney who was arrested.

Subsequent forensic tests also placed him at the scene of the crime, and he was later charged with burglary.

After admitting the offence, Gibney appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, November 27, for sentencing.

Gibney was ordered to pay a £500 fine and was hit with a 26-week electronically monitored curfew.

As part of the curfew order, he must remain at his Frodsham home between 8pm and 6am every day.

Following sentencing Police Constable Danny Martin, of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit said: “We are committed to supporting our local businesses and treat crime against them seriously.

"We quickly identified our man, made an arrest, and put him before the courts. We will continue to do so with anyone who thinks our local businesses are an easy target."