Total of 16 years in jail for burglary gang who targeted students

A GANG of burglars who targeted student accommodation in Bristol for high value devices such as laptops have been jailed.

John O’Brien orchestrated the “crime spree” assisted by Edward Tiley.

Jonny Manfield then helped to sell the goods on, Bristol Crown Court heard.

O’Brien, 46, of Kendon Drive, Horfield, and Tiley, 45, of Goulston Walk, Bristol, denied wrongdoing and had a trial.

A jury convicted O’Brien of 21 burglaries and Tiley of eight in 2019.

Manfield, 29, of Horse Street in Chipping Sodbury, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods.

Judge James Patrick jailed O’Brien for seven and a half years, Tiley for five years and Manfield for three years and nine months.

He told them: “This was a spree of burglaries.

“It was arranged by Mr O’Brien, assisted by Mr Tiley and Mr Manfield received and disposed of the stolen property.

“Victim personal statements speak of loss of personal items and data.

“Telephone tracking shows there was a significant degree of planning.”

The judge commended the police investigation of the case.

The court heard the burglars forced their way into accommodation and helped themselves to high value electrical equipment containing personal information.

Manfield then collected the proceeds and sold them on, the court heard. O’Brien’s stolen property was calculated at some £78,000 while Tiley was deemed responsible for £32,000 worth.

Charley Pattison, defending O’Brien, said the father of five had struggled with addiction to alcohol and drugs. She said: “He is remorseful for the interference with students’ education.”

Anthony Bignall, defending Tiley, said his client was a “devoted family man” who had been in the grip of a gambling addiction

Alistair Haggerty, defending

Manfield, said his client was genuinely remorseful.

He told the court: “There are nine children looked after between him and his partner. He did not make a substantial amount of money.”

Detective Constable Louise Yaldron said: “We welcome the sentences handed out today to all three men.

“Prolific thieves have been taken off the streets and we will continue to do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”