Ludlow burglar gets four years for guns raid

A 33-year-old man has been jailed for four years for his part in a burglary which saw cash, store cards and a number of guns stolen from a farm near Ludlow.

Michael Farrow was part of a gang of men which targeted the farm at Orleton on or about August 10 while the family living at the property were on holiday.

Farrow, of Wheat Common Lane, Ludlow, previously admitted charges of burglary and possession of an offensive weapon, but appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday for sentencing.

Farrow was the only member of the gang who had been traced.

The court heard the family returned from their holiday to find a back door and window smashed.

Once inside they found a number of guns, which were legally owned and kept, had been stolen, along with a quantity of pounds sterling, Canadian dollars and euros.

Jewellery, store cards and other items were also stolen by the gang.

Judge Robin Onions, sentencing, said: "This is so dangerous I have no option but to give an immediate, serious, custodial sentence.

"These guns are still out there and could be used in other crimes. You have not told the authorities who the other people involved are for fear of your own safety and now members of the public could be terrified looking down the barrel of one of these guns during a crime."

Mr Philip Beardwell, prosecuting, said: "The total value of the items, cash and damage caused is £12,409.48 and had it not been for Mr Thomas who lived there finding a speck of blood belonging to the defendant he could still be out there.

"During the burglary the gun cabinet had been pulled off the wall, causing damage and some very valuable guns, including a rifle, shotgun and single barrel shotgun were all taken."

Mr Beardwell said once the family returned home they were 'horrified' to see what had happened to the house and called the police.

Officers carried out forensic examinations, but missed a speck of blood which was later found by the family and was found to belong to Farrow who was arrested.

While he was being arrested, officers searched his home and they found a can of CS spray, which is illegal to own and is registered as a firearm.

Mr Michael Connell, for Farrow, said his client had been paid £200 by travellers to help with the burglary and acted as a look-out but went inside to help move the gun cabinet.