Career criminal returned to prison after theft

A CAREER criminal who broke into an elderly woman’s home and stole jewellery with high sentimental value has been returned to prison.

Wayne Robinson was jailed for three years and four months over the break-in at the property in Lumley Avenue, Castleford.

Leeds Crown Court heard Robinson targeted the 86-year-old victim’s home on May 30 this year after she had gone out for the day with her son.

The pair returned to the house at 4.45pm to hear the burglar alarm going off and saw that a kitchen window had been broken.

Items stolen included a musical jewellery box and three gold rings, including an engagement ring.

Earrings, watches and brooches were also taken along with £360 in cash and Post Office cards.

Policed were contacted and officers discovered empty jewellery boxes near the house.

Robinson, of Ridgefield Street, Castleford, was arrested after his blood was recovered from the scene. He pleaded guilty to burglary.

Robinson, 27, has a long criminal record for 43 offences dating back to 2005.

He has served prison sentences for other burglary offences and his last prison sentence was imposed for breaking into 20 homes.

Robin Frieze, mitigating, said Robinson had spent most of the past five years in custody.

He said Robinson had been drinking with other people before the burglary and could not remember much about committing the offence.

Jailing Robinson, Judge Robin Mairs said: “I have no doubt this offence had a harrowing affect on that elderly lady.”

He added: “Her sense of peace and wellbeing in her own home has undoubtedly been smashed.”