Bulger uncle jailed for burglary

An uncle of murdered toddler James Bulger has been jailed for two years for aggravated burglary.

Liverpool Crown Court heard Phillip Bulger had smashed his way into the conservatory of a house, terrifying the occupants as they had breakfast.

Bulger, 40, had been in a psychotic state at the time after years of drug abuse, the court heard.

Bulger smashed his way into the house on Thornbeck Avenue, Hightown, on 17 September last year.

It is your fault you are in the dock. You have abused your body and mind with drugs Judge William George

The court heard Robert Eedle was sitting in having a cup of tea in his home at about 0745 BST when he heard a loud noise coming from the conservatory.

He discovered Bulger, who had used a metal pole from the garden to smash his way through the patio doors, standing inside the conservatory.

Mr Eedle was able to get the pole from him as his wife called the police.

'Devil on estate'

Officers arrived and arrested him.

As they took him to Southport police station, the court heard he told officers: "The devil is on the estate"

He was searched and a lock knife was found in his jacket pocket.

Because of fears over his mental state he was taken to Fazakerley Hospital and was kept there until 6 October.

When he was interviewed, he said he had suffered a nervous breakdown due to his addiction to crack cocaine and heroin.

He said he left his Kirkby home two days previously and had broken in because he had not had anything to eat and was hungry.

Sentencing Judge William George said: "It is your fault you are in the dock.

"You have abused your body and mind with drugs, it is your fault."

Previous convictions

Bulger, of Minstead Avenue, Northwood, Kirkby, pleaded guilty to the offence.

He has previous convictions including burglary and robbery but has been out of trouble since 1997.

Bulger's mother and James' father Ralph were in court for the sentencing.

The judge thanked them for attending to support Bulger.

Two boys were convicted of the murder of James, aged two, whose body was found by railway tracks in February 1993.