Vape theft earns burglar with 'terrible record' 15 month prison sentence

Matthew McNab, of Dunstone, Telford, admitted one charge of burglary when he appeared before Shrewsbury Crown Court, sitting at Telford Justice Centre.

The incident, took place at a home on Chancery Park in Priorslee, Telford, on January 17.

Alexa Carrier, prosecuting, told the court that McNab had let himself into the utility room of a home at 2.30pm and had stolen the £80 vape.

She said the homeowner had realised it was missing and saw a person 'crouching down' behind a hedge outside.

He got his partner to call the police and shouted: "I suggest you come out of there and give me my vape back."

McNab responded by saying: "I don't care what you are going to do, I have worse people chasing after me."

The homeowner gave chase but McNab ran away, and was later tracked down to his home by police.

He instantly admitted to the offence, and apologised, saying: "I was absolutely hammered that day. Someone spiked my drink."

He added: "I have got the vape pen and want to give it back."

Ms Carrier said that although the vape had been recovered, its owner was "unlikely to want to use it again".

Due to the 33-year-old's record - with 33 convictions for 72 offences, and the government's minimum sentence for repeat burglary offenders, Judge Peter Barrie had to consider whether to send McNab to jail immediately - despite the seemingly low value of the item taken.

Myles Wilson, mitigating on behalf of McNab, said it would be 'unjust' to impose the minimum jail sentence for the offence, due to the details of the case.

He said the theft had been 'impulsive' with 'limited intrusion' into the property and an item of 'low value' taken, which had later been returned.

He added: "All those are factors that make this a less serious dwelling burglary."

Mr Wilson said that McNab's last conviction for burglary dated to 2018.

He added: "He began apologising as soon as he was arrested."

Sentencing Judge Barrie said: "You know you have a terrible record for committing burglaries at people's houses and there was some more serious offending in 2018 which got you a long prison sentence to serve."

The Judge told McNab he could only pull back from imposing the minimum sentence if there were 'exceptional' circumstances.

But he added: "I am afraid against your background it has to be and immediate custodial sentence, and that cannot be avoided.

McNab was jailed for 15 months.