In Stoke-on-Trent, a homeless woman dubbed the “Goldilocks burglar” has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for breaking into two homes and using the facilities of the unsuspecting owners. Jade Cobden, 32, was found guilty of unlawfully entering residences in the Staffordshire area earlier this year.
One incident involved Cobden sneaking into a house while the resident was present and making use of various items, including the washing machine, a bed, and potentially a toothbrush, before pilfering belongings. The homeowner later discovered that she had even hung up clothes to dry after her unauthorized laundry session and might have slept in his brother’s bed.
During a burglary on June 28 at an address in Christine Street, Bucknall, an occupant heard noises downstairs at 7 am, assuming it was his brother. However, upon realizing his sibling was not at home and encountering a woman leaving through the back door with his possessions, he confronted the intruder. The woman, identified as Cobden, claimed to be homeless, threw £20 at him, and tried to apologize.
Further investigation revealed that Cobden had not only used the washing machine but had also helped herself to drinks, potentially slept in the brother’s bed, and even used his toothbrush. In a separate incident on July 2, she broke into another home on Dividy Road, where she encountered the son of a hospitalized woman and left him feeling unsettled with her odd behavior.
Cobden, residing on Werrington Road, Bucknall, was apprehended by the authorities and subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary. Her defense attorney acknowledged her struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and past criminal behavior. Despite her challenging circumstances, the court condemned her actions, labeling her a “habitual thief” with a misplaced sense of entitlement akin to Goldilocks.
The presiding judge warned Cobden of the severe consequences if she were to commit another burglary, emphasizing that being homeless did not justify her intrusive actions or entitled behavior. Recorder Robert Smith highlighted her extensive criminal history and drug dependency, cautioning her about the potential repercussions of future offenses.