Serial Burglar Arrested For Mercilessly Robbing Dead People At Barnstaple Funeral Parlor

A man was arrested by police for reportedly ransacking and stealing cash and personal items belonging to dead people in Barnstaple.

The man was identified as Marc Griffin who allegedly ransacked a chapel of rest at Padfield's Funeral Services.

He reportedly smashed his way and went through drawers, cupboards as well as personal belongings of the deceased.

Aside from these, Griffin also allegedly opened a sealed letter that a family had intended to be placed in a coffin. He also broke into collection boxes and stole keys to a hearse, Devon Live reported.

In all, Griffin left a sickening trail of destruction, emptying ashes while also tearing down crematorium certificates from boxes despite having cut and bloodied hands.

But in what is perhaps the most deplorable of his acts was that of disturbing two bodies from where he stole from.

Appearing before the Exeter crown court, it was learned that Griffin was also a drug user and had more than 200 previous crimes across his name.

"Over the years you have attempted to burgle and have burgled 60 premises or homes to steal from the living,” the judge stated.

"Here you have sought to steal from the deceased. There was total indifference and disregard to the hurt, pain and distress that would inevitably cause to loved ones," he added.

Griffin apologized for his embarrassing acts. He also admitted to three thefts that he committed in the early hours of Mar. 13.

He used a hammer to smash his way in through a cafe window and could be seen dragging out the till containing £240 in cash. He also took a mug containing tips but cut his hands on the broken glass.

From there, he moved to Boutport Street where he ransacked the coffin workshop after emptying tubs containing ashes.

Bags of clothes were also emptied together with the letter that he opened. Blood marks were found on the said latter

The third burglary happened at a nearby Sophisticuts hair salon, where he stole equipment and even charity boxes.