Man Jailed Over Pensioner Burglary

A man has been sentenced to almost two and a half years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to burglary in the Ferndown area.

The court heard how sometime between 15 and 16 December 2012, 40-year-old Justin Guy from Bournemouth, broke into premises along Wollaton Road in Ferndown and stole jewellery belonging to an elderly victim.

Forensic evidence obtained from the scene led to his arrest by the Dorset Police Priority Crime Team on Thursday 20 December 2012.

Guy pleaded guilty to the offence at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 1 March 2013 and was sentenced to 876 days' imprisonment on the same day.

He was also ordered to pay £560 compensation to the victim - money seized from him at the time of his arrest - after the police made an application to the judge.

Detective Constable Mark Colborne, of Dorset Police Priority Crime Team, said:

"This was a very callous crime. The offender stole items of huge sentimental value which we have not been able to recover.

"I am pleased that the judge accepted our application and ordered that Guy pay his money to the victim. This illustrates that police will continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to take money from offenders to reimburse victims where appropriate.

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and demonstrates that these offences will not be tolerated by the courts and the police.

"Dorset Police Priority Crime Team will continue to target dwelling burglaries and work tirelessly to bring those offenders to justice."