Householder heard bedroom intruder as she showered

JAIL FOR BURGLAR WITH RECORD OF 104 OFFENCES

A BURGLAR rifled a woman’s bedroom furniture while she showered in the en suite bathroom.

Anthony Bailey targeted the property in Bramcote Drive, Beeston, on February 27 after being caught trying to break into a home in nearby Sidney Road.

The 39-year-old, who has a long history of burglary offences and was on licence after a previous conviction, was sentenced to five years in prison this week. Nottingham Crown Court heard that the woman confronted Bailey after hearing him from the shower.

“In the middle of having a shower she heard his voice and then asked if anyone was there,” said Andy Peet, prosecuting. “There’s no doubt that being disturbed in one’s home whilst naked in the shower can only be a frightening experience.”

The woman got out of the shower and asked what Bailey was doing and he left. She found drawers had been opened but nothing had been taken.

Recorder Stuart Sprawson said Bailey went into the woman’s room “clearly looking for valuables”, adding: “To say she was shocked and frightened understates the situation.”

The defendant had been walking his dog through the area, using his pet as a “false trail” while scoping out properties, the court heard. He was caught in the garden of a property in Sidney Road by its occupier who had just got home from the library.

“[Bailey] said his dog had wandered off, the householder accepted the explanation and the defendant went on his way,” said Mr Peet. “On closer inspection, it was obvious he had searched the garden shed. Five or six tools were removed and found near the back gate.

Prosecutors said “determined attempts” had been made to enter the kitchen window before the defendant was disturbed.

Recorder Sprawson said: “You went out with your dog that day and I take the view that it was part of your disguise should someone find you on their premises. “You went to the shed to remove the items and you knew from past experience that those tools were going to be used to gain entry to the premises. The occupier disturbed you. The reason you had a dog was to lay a false trail as to why you were on their premises without permission.” Bailey was identified by CCTV and arrested at his home in Radburn Court, Stapleford. He offered no comment in a police interview but pleaded guilty to burglary and attempted burglary at Monday’s hearing.

In mitigation, the court heard Bailey knew what he had done was “entirely unacceptable”. The defendant has ongoing issues with alcohol and has “cried out for help from the probation service.”

The court heard Bailey had been drinking as he and his pregnant partner were waiting to hear the results of medical tests into whether their baby would have Down’s syndrome.

“He’s absolutely furious with himself, he had a family, a home, a baby on the way, there was no reason to revert back to the behaviour,” the court heard.

“He knows the victims are going to feel horrific and he feels horrific for putting them in that position.”

The court heard Bailey had been convicted 27 times for 104 offences, including a “significant number” of burglaries between 2003 and 2018.

Handing out a prison sentence of 62 months, Recorder Sprawson said: “The court has sympathy with your life, but it is no explanation for your offending, it’s just part of your background and makeup.”

Being disturbed in one’s home whilst naked can only be a frightening experience. Prosecution