Shropshire Star

'Get out, the police are on the way': CCTV shock for Telford burglar

A shocked burglar fled empty-handed from a house after the owner spoke to him through an internet security system and told him the police were on their way, a court heard.

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David Jinks was seen on the victim's iPhone as he tried to remove a 42 inch TV set from the lounge of the property in Telford, a hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.

He had broken in on June 23 – just 11 days after being released from a previous prison sentence, Judge Robin Onions heard.

But Jinks hadn't reckoned on the advanced home security that house owner Mr Paul Shuttleworth had put in place.

As a result of previous burglaries Mr Shuttleworth had installed a highly sensitive CCTV security system which was linked to his mobile phone, allowing him to see live footage from inside his property.

When Jinks broke in to the isolated address during the daytime of June 23, "the alarm was set off and there was a live feed from the living room to Mr Shuttleworth's mobile phone and he could see a figure walking about," said Mr Kevin Jones, prosecuting the case against Jinks.

As Mr Shuttleworth set off to drive home he saw the defendant trying to remove his £1,000 TV set.

But through the speaker system Mr Shuttleworth was able to shout out directly to the man who had invaded his home.

Mr Jones told the court that Mr Shuttleworth had called out to him, saying: "Put that down and get out of my house. The police have been alerted."

At this point Jinks appeared very shocked and left the house.

"He was later identified by police officers from the video footage," Mr Jones added.

Three coats were found outside on a footpath and Jinks was arrested later the same day.

Having been caught red-handed and identified from the video, 28-year-old Jinks admitted breaking into the house.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court Jinks, who has previous convictions for burglary, was jailed by Judge Onions for a period of 876 days, which is equivalent to 32 months.

Jinks, of Southgate, Sutton Hill, Telford, had been jailed twice in the past five years for burglary, the court heard.

Passing sentence, Judge Robin Onions said a letter from the defendant indicated that Jinks felt that being in prison was normal compared to being outside and he was better off as an inmate.

Judge Onions said it appeared Jinks was not well equipped to survive outside prison.

He had spent what little money he was given on his release, Judge Onions said.

With no benefits he had reverted to what he knew best – committing burglary.

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