Jailed: Telford burglar who stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery

Lawrence Wallis was caught climbing out of a window with a TV by an estate agent who turned up to show a prospective buyer around in Station Road, Madeley, in April last year.

While on bail for that offence, he broke into another house in South Road, Madeley, between February 21 and March 5 this year and took more than £5,000 worth of jewellery. The 27-year-old, of Wealdstone in Woodside, Telford, pleaded guilty to the latter burglary when he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday. He had denied burgling the home in Station Road but was found guilty by a jury in February.

Judge Jim Tindal, sentencing him for both offences, said they were "unpleasant" burglaries which involved the taking of "high value" and "sentimental" items.

During the trial for the Station Road burglary, the court heard that an estate agent found two men climbing out of a window with a television. A fingerprint found on the television led police to Wallis.

Mr John Oates, prosecuting, said engagement and wedding rings, a gold jewellery box and other items were taken from Pauline Hughes while she was away on holiday.

The prosecutor told the court Wallis was arrested by police on unrelated matters and footprints found at the South Road address matched trainers found at his home.

He initially denied the burglary but broke down and admitted all after the gold box was found in his bedroom, Mr Oates said.

Mr Duncan Craig, for Wallis, said: "He has been in custody for some time and has actually weaned himself off drugs."

Wallis was jailed for three years for each burglary, but the sentences will run concurrently so the total jail term will be three years. He will serve half the sentence before being released on licence.