Man who had jaw fractured as he raided rural property is jailed

A burglar was left with a broken jaw after breaking into a home only to be caught by the furious resident.

Cezary Okuniewski was found outside the house at Dundee’s Downfield golf course and detained by the resident until police arrived.

Depute fiscal Charmaine Gilmartin told Perth Sheriff Court: “The complainer is a chef at the golf club and the flat is part of his employment package.

“At about 10.30pm on August 9 2016 the complainer retired to bed. The doors were locked and windows secure. At about 12.30am the complainer went down to have a cigarette and went into the living room where he saw items had been moved around and the flat screen television was not there.

“He went into the kitchen and saw a window was open and the front door was ajar.

“He heard a noise outside and went outside while his girlfriend called the police via 999.

“The accused was found outside the property and was being kept hold of by the complainer until police arrived. An injury was suffered by the accused, who was found to have a hairline fracture of the jaw.

“The police attended with a dog and items were found in various locations on the golf course.”

Solicitor Mike Short, defending, said the accused was under the influence of alcohol at the time and at the time had a problem with alcohol misuse.

Okuniewski, of Adamson Drive, Dundee, admitted that on August 10 2016 he broke into the caretaker’s flat at Downfield golf course and stole a TV, remotes, a jukebox, alcohol and trainers.

Sheriff Gillian Wade jailed Okuniewski for 20 months.