LEYTON: Police seek 'Goldilocks' burglar

11:10am Wednesday 16th April 2008

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A man who has been missing from Leyton for more than a year has been surviving by regularly breaking into a house, stealing food and then doing the housework before returning to the tent in which he has been living.

Nigel Joyner, 57, had lived with his mother in Waltham Forest, but lost his home when she was taken into care in early 2007.

The real-life Goldilocks repeatedly broke into a converted piggery in Luccombe, on the Isle of Wight, once owned by his cousin, took showers, stole food and then cleaned up.

It was not until a neighbour spotted him breaking into the building that Joyner's mysterious past emerged.

Profoundly deaf, he appeared before magistrates soaked in blood having been bitten by a police dog, because he had not heard police instructions during his arrest the court heard.

Joyner headed to the island as it was a place he remembered fondly from family holidays.

Described in court as "bookish and quiet," Joyner pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary.

Rachel Robertson, prosecuting, said: "He would break in, turn on the hot water and have a shower.

"The property would always be left tidy. After eating he would wash up after himself."

Mr Joyner's solicitor Henry Farley said: "He is a little unworldly, certainly out of the ordinary, and this is a remarkable story.

"He has been living in a tent for the last ten or 11 months.

"He has not claimed benefits and has no regular income."

He said Joyner did not know if his mother was still alive or who had reported him missing.

Magistrates conditionally discharged him for 12 months.

Did you know Nigel Joyner? Do you know where he lived in Leyton, what he did for a living or anything else about his mysterious past? If so please contact our newsdesk on 0208 498 3434 or email carlbrown@london.newsquest.co.uk