Telford thief with long record jailed for burglaries

Anthony Tranter, 34, of Wrekin View, Madeley, was sentenced to three years for two burglaries and a car theft in Telford.

Nigel Stelling, prosecuting, said that on June 18, Tranter broke into a house during the afternoon and stole a car key, £50 in cash, a wedding ring and a gold bracelet.

He added: “The vehicle was recovered the following day 100 metres away from where the defendant was residing.

“It also transpired that the wedding ring that had been stolen had been sold to a jewellery store at a market in Telford.

“At the second burglary the victim was awoken by the sound of his car alarm. He dressed and went down to turn off the car alarm and noticed that something was amiss, the window was ajar and items had been moved around.”

Tranter made off with an iPhone, a silver bracelet, a car key, money and trainers. He was found sleeping outside 500 metres away.

Mr Stelling said Tranter had a number of convictions for burglary dating back to 1999.

Miss Samantha Powis, defending, said: “He is a gentleman with a lengthy record, almost exclusively for dishonesty, and had a long standing heroin addiction.

“He told me he lost his accommodation, he lost his possessions and lost everything. He went out with some so-called friends and believes something happened to his drink and has no recollection at all of committing the burglary.

"He’s clean now and is easy to deal with, is sensible and rational.”

Judge Jim Tindal said Tranter had committed about 80 offences, many of which were for burglary.

He added: “For almost six months you were trying your best to stay on the straight and narrow and I need to recognise that. You need to ensure that when you come out of prison it’s not just for six months and you stay out of trouble for good.”