Cambridgeshire: Burglar Jailed After Being Chased By Victim

22 November 2013, 08:48 | Updated: 22 November 2013, 08:51

A prolific burglar who was tackled by one of his victims as he ran away from a break-in has been jailed.

Andrew Clay, 35, of Daniels Close, Willingham, was chased by the victim after she caught him leaving her Crowland Way home with her laptop on November 10.
 
She called for help and three other members of the public came to her aid to assist detaining him before calling police.
 
Earlier that day, Clay had raided a house in Hawkins Road while the victims were sitting downstairs watching TV. He climbed through a window before stealing jewellery.

Clay, who has four previous convictions for burglary, pleaded guilty to both burglaries at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday (November 19) and was jailed for three years. He also asked for several other offences including burglary, attempted theft from a motor vehicle and thefts from motor vehicles to be taken into consideration.

He most also serve a suspended three-month sentence for an earlier theft from motor vehicle conviction. That will run consecutive to the three years.

Detective Sergeant Lindsay Harbour said: "Clay has caused a lot of distress to the victims who discovered him in their homes.

"He is a prolific burglar and the victim showed great bravery following Clay which resulted in our officers arresting him.
 
"We're pleased that he has been brought to justice and hope it allows the victims to move on with their lives."