Burglary spree earns three-year jail sentence

A MAN who went on a burglary spree in Llanelli, including breaking into the homes of two pensioners, has been jailed.

Jimmy Hearne admitted a series of offences at Swansea Crown Court, including three counts of burglary, two of theft and one of attempted burglary, all taking place within 13 days of each other. When police went to arrest Hearne, he was found hiding under a bed.

On July 23 he broke into the home of 90 year-old Kathleen Biggs at Glan yr Afon Road, Llanelli, while his victim slept.

When she woke the next morning she found he had taken £250 cash, bank cards, a necklace and sweets from her living room.

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Prosecutor Kevin Jones said Mrs Biggs had said in a statement that she was "upset and shocked" that her home had been broken into.

Hearne, 27, also admitted that seven days earlier he had stolen a 4x4.

The car's owner, Jason Hodge, had bought the car to modify it for racing.

When he noticed the car had gone from a lane near Brynymor Road, he visited local scrapyards, finding his car in Fforestfach.

He then traced the seller, who told him he bought it for £200.

Hearne was arrested on July 27 after being found hiding under a bed. He told police: "I knew I was wanted".

After he was arrested, Hearne confessed a series of other burglaries to police.

He admitted stealing an XBox and jewellery from a flat above his girlfriend's home on July 18.

He used a ladder to access the flat above and steal the items.

He also admitted theft from a house in Dillwyn Street, Llanelli, on July 10.

On the same day he tried to break into the home of an 85 year-old woman. He threw a brick through the window of her home, but when she screamed he ran away.

He also admitted stealing from his uncle's home and taking a flatscreen TV which he later sold for £50.

Stephen Rees, representing Hearne, said he had previously been convicted of three counts of burglary but he had turned his life around.

He said the latest offences happened after his relationship broke down and his child was stillborn.

"He said he lost his head and he returned to taking drugs," said Mr Rees.

He said Hearne did not target the two elderly victims and did not know the homes he was breaking into.

"His remorse is entirely genuine. He has done all he can to put matters right by assisting police from the outset by clearing up a number of crimes," said Mr Rees.

Judge Christopher Vosper imposed a three-year sentence for burglary and a six-month sentence to run consecutively for the theft of the car.

ruth.mosalski@swwmedia.co.uk