Photos of late gran stolen in burglary near Telford
A burglar who broke into a house near Telford and stole a string of items - including a laptop which had "priceless and irreplaceable" photos on it of a teenage girl's late grandmother - has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Gavin Hope targeted a family home in Shirlowe Lane, Sherlowe, which was undergoing building work, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.
Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said the home had been left secure on the morning of January 27.
Later that morning, one of the home owners received a message from a neighbour that her house alarm was sounding.
Her 14-year-old daughter had been the first to return to the property after it had been burgled.
A glass panel in the patio door had been smashed and items in the home had been moved around.
A television, drill, laptop and cash was taken.
Mr Edwards said police carried out inquiries and visited Cash Converters in Wellington, where the TV and drill had been sold.
The court was told that Hope's fingerprints were found at the scene of the burglary.
Footprints at the home also matched footwear seized from 44-year-old Hope.
Mr Edwards said the family who lived at the address were now worried about security at their home.
He said the laptop taken had belonged to the 14-year-old girl and contained photos of her late grandmother.
Mr Edwards added: "The family has spent many hours dealing with insurance claims and replacing property that was stolen.
"The family had to spend many hours cleaning up glass and making the property secure again."
The court was told Hope also had previous convictions for burglary.
Hope, of Overdale, Telford, previously admitted a charge of burglary in relation to the offence in Sherlowe.
Mr Paul Smith, representing Hope, said his relationship had broken down, he had lost his job and had returned to using drugs.
Sentencing Hope, Judge Peter Barrie told him the laptop he stole had contained "priceless and irreplaceable" photos.
He said he accepted the burglary had been spontaneous rather than planned.
Hope was given a 56 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was also given a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement, a nine month drug rehabilitation requirement and will have to complete the thinking skills programme, which is designed to address the way offenders behave and make them think about their actions.
