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WHEN the Collins family went on holiday, they trusted their good friends and neighbours the Bolams to keep an eye on their house.

But on their return, they found their home ransacked.

And despite promising to keep the Collins’ home safe, Derek and Hayley Bolam were found with their property.

When police called, they were sat watching the TV stolen from the Collins’ home opposite.

Today Alison and Martin Collins have told of their shock when they discovered their pals had been involved.

“When we were waiting for police to arrive they were offering us cups of tea and comforting us.

“It’s left us not trusting anyone.” Alison, 33, Martin, 48, with sons Daniel, 12, and Callum, 13, had been to visit family in Leicester in August when they received a text from Hayley Bolam informing them their home had been ransacked.

They arrived back to Dunmorlie Street in Byker to find Derek Bolam had boarded the forced door to make sure thieves couldn’t re-enter.

“Hayley even offered her coat for me to wear because I was cold when I was waiting for the police to arrive,” added Alison.

After police made inquiries, the Bolams became the chief suspects and they were found to be in possession of some of the items taken in the break-in.

And it transpired Hayley Bolam had tried to sell some of the games and other items at a shop.

Although there were suspicions the Bolams were responsible for the burglary, prosecutors ended up accepting guilty pleas to the lesser charge of handling stolen goods.

The haul included two televisions, A Nintendo DS games console, over 20 games, credit cards, jewellery and a silver case housing their wedding certificate.

Unemployed Alison added: “When the police called to their house they were sitting watching our 3D television and found our kid’s TV under a bed.

“The pair said they found our belongings under a bush and were charged with handling.

“This was a good street and we liked living here but now the mood has changed.”

It is thought the Bolams were initially charged with handling stolen goods with a view to possibly charging them with burglary at a later date. However, when they admitted handling on their first court appearance, it was not thought appropriate to then charge them with burglary.

Derek Bolam, 46, of Dunmorlie Street, Byker, was jailed for four months but was released immediately having served time on remand. His wife was dealt with at magistrates at an earlier hearing and got a community order for handling stolen goods.

Judge Evans, sitting at Newcastle Crown Court, said: “I find it surprising this proceeded as a handling offence and not as an allegation of burglary, given the circumstances.

“It’s extremely suspect it’s proceeded as a handling and not a burglary. However, he is not being dealt with for burglary, if he was, he would have been going to prison for a long time.”

Judge Evans told Derek Bolam: “Your relationship with your neighbours will never be the same again, they cannot forgive you for what you did.

“They suspect you were the burglar but there’s no evidence you were put before the court. Whether you were the burglar or the handler, your neighbours will never forgive you.”

The Bolams insist they were not responsible for the burglary, but prosecutors say their claims about where they got the Collins’ property from did not check out.

Ros Scott-Bell, defending, said: “He did not burgle the premises.”