Northwich criminal jailed for breaking into flood-hit home

Shaun Kelly, of Beech Grove in Weaverham, broke into the home in Acton Bridge twice in January and February of this year.

The owner had been rehomed after her home was damaged during the floods and it was in the process of being renovated when Kelly struck.

The 36-year-old was sentenced to serve three and a half years in prison for multiple offences, including two for burglary.

Stephen McNally, prosecuting at Liverpool Crown Court, said builders working on the renovation became aware the house had been broken into at some point between January 7 and 14 of this year.

They informed the homeowner’s daughter who visited the home and noticed the bedroom wardrobe had been emptied out and there were jewellery boxes and other items on the floor although she could not immediately identify what had been stolen.

When she returned to the house on February 5, Kelly had returned and, on this occasion, stole ornamental items including a clock, telescope, an antique cannon and a samurai sword.

Shaun Kelly was jailed for three and a half years at Liverpool Crown Court

Kelly was linked to the property via his DNA and when police searched the home of his partner, they found several of the items. When interviewed by officers Kelly admitted to all of the offences.

Judge Neil Flewitt, QC branded Kelly ‘a career criminal’ as he ordered him to serve 28 months concurrent for each of the burglary offences.

He said: “You have an appalling criminal record.

“You may remember that I referred to you as a career criminal earlier and I think that is the most appropriate way to describe you.

“You have numerous previous convictions, including when serving an eight-year custodial sentence for conspiracy to commit burglary.”

The daughter of the owner did not tell her mother what had happened and, in a Victim, Personal Statement, said the offence had “hit our family hard” because the property held “many great memories”.

The judge gave no separate penalty in relation to six other counts after Kelly had smashed a car window and stole a handbag from a woman who had been at a yoga class in the town on January 4.

Kelly used a bank card he found in the bag and used it five times in the space of 37 minutes at various stores across Northwich.