Peterborough: "Prolific" Burglar Jailed

9 October 2013, 12:17 | Updated: 9 October 2013, 12:25

A prolific burglar who raided a home while the victims were sleeping in bed has been jailed for four years.

Terry O'Sullivan, 26, and accomplice Edward Bonsor, 33, broke into the shared accommodation in Whitsed Street, Peterborough, in the early hours of March 21.
 
There were two women in the house in separate bedrooms and one was woken by noise downstairs. She went to get up but saw the intruders in the doorway and stayed in bed because she was so scared.
 
She rang her housemate to let her know what was happening and then called the police.
 
Officers were quickly on the scene and, following inquiries, O'Sullivan was arrested at a neighbouring property.

Sounds were also heard in the loft of the property and as officers went up to investigate with a police dog, Bonsor fell through the ceiling to his waist but did not fall to the floor.
 
He was also arrested and both were charged with burglary.

The rear garden was searched and a suitcase from the victims' property was recovered.
 
O'Sullivan and Bonsor had also stolen a small amount of make-up and jewellery.
 
Both denied being involved in the burglary but forensic work linked them to the scene and they pleaded guilty.
 
On Friday (October 4) at Peterborough Crown Court O'Sullivan, of Whitsed Street, was jailed while Bonsor, of Park Lane, Peterborough, was given a 21 month sentence, suspended for two years. It was O'Sullivan's fourth strike.
 
Sergeant Tom Rowe said: "This was a terrifying experience for the women who were in the house at the time and it demonstrates the impact burglary can have on victims.
 
"O'Sullivan is a serial burglar and that is reflected in the sentence he was given by the court."