Burglar caught by DNA left on torch during break-in
Repeat offender sent to jail for three years
@KM_newsroom A repeat burglar has been jailed after leaving his DNA on a torch found at the house of an elderly victim.
Shane Doyle, 46, of Callisto Court, was given the minimum prison term as a “three strikes” burglar – having committed as many such offences.
Details of three previous burglaries and one attempted burglary were put before a jury at his trial.
He denied the latest breakin at a four-bedroom house in Bower Street, Maidstone, but was convicted and sentenced to three years in prison.
Maidstone Crown Court heard the house was unoccupied at the time as the victim, Eileen Martin, had not lived there since March. Her daughter Sharon Glover said she and her sister regularly visited the property to check on it and collect belongings.
They went there on May 6 and found items, including jewellery, all over the floor. It was not possible to determine if anything had been stolen, she said in a statement. Prosecutor Dominic Connolly said police found a torch and a knife. They were forensically examined and Doyle’s DNA was recovered from the torch.
The knife belonged in the house.
Judge Philip Statman said Doyle had a number of burglaries on his record.
“There are gaps in your offending, which shows you can lead a crime-free life,” he said.
Speaking after the court case, investigating officer DC Neil Buckle said: “Burglary is a cruel crime, which often leaves victims feeling upset and violated.”
He said Kent Police was working with neighbouring forces to target burglars and recommended residents log valuable items on the Immobilise website.
He said: “As a police force, we will continue to target burglars such as Shane Doyle and ensure that they are put before the courts.”