Break-in left girl, eight, in trauma

A man has been jailed after he broke into an Aberdeen home and stole thousands of pounds worth of property – leaving a small girl plagued with nightmares.

Craig Stirton entered the home of Oakhill Grange resident Mark Ellis at 10.15am while he was out with his daughter. He smashed a glass patio door and turned the key to gain entry.

When Mr Ellis returned around six hours later he found items scattered on the floor and cupboard doors opened and his TV hanging from the wall.

Numerous valuable items had been taken.

Police took a DNA sample from blood found on the patio door.

When Stirton was later traced by officers he denied any involvement

“The public need to be protected from your offending”

and said if it was his blood he had no explanation.

However, the 42-yearold confessed to the offence, which took place on August 6 this year, during an appearance in Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday.

Fiscal depute Stephanie Ross said: “None of the items have been recovered. The combined value is £3,420.”

Representing Stirton, whose address was given as HMP Grampian, defence agent Michael Burnett said despite what he said to the police he had pleaded guilty and avoided the need for a trial.

Imposing a sentence, Sheriff William Summers said: “There is little that can be offered in mitigation. The public need to be protected from your offending behaviour.”

Mr Ellis said: “My eight-year-old daughter has been extremely upset since this happened, and has suffered nightmares. This wasn’t a victimless act.”

Stirton was sentenced to 20 months behind bars.