Man Jailed for Gecko Theft and Sale

An individual has received a prison sentence after taking a gecko from an animal park and subsequently selling it for £20. Lancashire Police reported that Micheal Hesketh gained unauthorized entry to Pets Corner, located within Chorley’s Astley Park, on 16 October, where he took Lizzie the gecko. The 39-year-old Chorley resident then sold the reptile. Police confirmed the animal was later discovered “safe and well” and subsequently given back to the charitable animal park. Hesketh, residing at Buckshaw Hall Close, Chorley, pleaded guilty to burglary and received a six-month prison sentence at Preston Magistrates’ Court. According to police, Hesketh gained entry by detaching a door handle and “ripping the door open.” A spokesperson for the force added that Hesketh also inflicted a “significant amount of damage” while taking additional items. As he escaped, the burglar sustained a cut from a piece of glass, leaving behind “crucial evidence” that police stated contributed to his apprehension. PC Simon Downes commented: “Hesketh didn’t just steal items – he stole a living animal from a place whose aim is to bring joy to residents.“I am thankful that Lizzie was reunited safe and well and is able to continue to provide special memories to those who come to visit her.” For further content, listeners can access BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and engage with BBC Lancashire on platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. Submissions for story ideas are also accepted at northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. Copyright for this content is held by BBC, 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for material found on external sites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.