Burglar ransacked home and stole ‘irreplaceable’ jewellery

A BURGLAR with dozens of previous convictions for theft ransacked a couple’s home and stole “irreplaceable” jewellery.

Dad-of-two Benjamin Sullivan broke into the property in Old St Mellons, Cardiff, rifled through a bedroom and stole items of sentimental value including watches and necklaces.

Sentencing him at Cardiff Crown Court, Recorder Greg Bull QC said: “You are 24 years old and you are building up a serious record of offending.”

The court heard the incident occurred on the morning of March 7 in Mill Lane.

Sam Shepherd, prosecuting, said police attended after an alarm sounded and found a downstairs window had been smashed.

Officers discovered blood on the windowsill and found an “untidy search” had been made of the upstairs bedroom.

Victims David and Susan Johns realised a number of items of jewellery were missing. The defendant was seen heading in the direction of Bluebell Drive and officers located him following a door-to-door search. They found a black bin bag by the door, containing Mrs Johns’ jewellery, and a gold watch next to the washing machine. Sullivan said: “That’s what’s left of it.”

Prosecutors said the majority of items were recovered although some remain missing. The defendant was arrested and answered “no comment” to all questions in his police interview.

In a victim personal statement, Mrs Johns said: “The worst thing is losing items of sentimental value.”

She said Sullivan stole a gold cross given to her by her family as a 50th birthday present. He also took jewellery that was a golden wedding anniversary present from her husband.

Mrs Johns added: “We both now feel vulnerable in our home.”

Prosecutors said Sullivan had been before the courts for 61 previous offences. His criminal record contained 39 theft offences, including robbery, shoplifting, and theft from vehicles. Sullivan, from Bluebell Drive, admitted burglary.

He was jailed for 876 days, which is about two and a half years.