The burglary case that took so long to get to court the suspect DIED before family saw justice

A dad who turned detective to track down a burglary suspect has been denied justice after the suspect died before the case could be tried in court.

John Macaulay was left devastated when an intruder ransacked his home in Heaton Mersey. Yet within 15 hours he had CCTV evidence of a suspect using his wife's bank card three times at local shops and a name.

He was even able to tell police when the suspect was due to at the chemist to collect his methadone.

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After four days, he claims GMP had not followed up on the information, and he contacted the M.E.N, his local MP, Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, and made a formal complaint to the force. Eventually GMP did make an arrest.

During the break-in at the family home in Burnage Lane, items of huge sentimental value were taken, as well as an unwrapped birthday presents for his son.

The crime took place in May 2021. The suspect had admitted fraud in connection with the use of the stolen bank cards but denied burglary. After more than a year a trial date was eventually fixed for November 2022 at Manchester Crown Court.

But it was then put back to January 2024. But now John will never see justice - as the suspect has since died.

The distressing circumstances of the burglary had driven John to seek justice. As his wife, Sophie, was outside at the rear of the house the culprit had forced the front door and sneaked in.

He recalled: "It was my son Seth's birthday and it ruined it. But I suppose I was grateful my two children were not at home - it could have been worse if they had seen