Drug addict burglar jailed for five years after Shropshire break-ins

Carl Bott admitted three offences of burglary at dwellings in Market Drayton, as well as one charge of attempted burglary, and another of robbery.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard how the 28-year-old, who has previous convictions for similar offences, was caught after his DNA was found on items at two of the premises following a spate of crimes last year.

Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, said two properties at The Mount were targeted on the same night in September.

At one house cash and goods were stolen worth £630.

Bott was linked to the incident by DNA found on a trowel, while damage was found at a the rear of a neighbouring house.

Bott was arrested and interviewed about the offences in October and while on bail for those offences he snatched a handbag from a woman.

The victim suffered serious cuts to her face when she was pulled to the ground during the robbery.

“The lady and her husband were walking home in Market Drayton towards him. Closed circuit television picked them up on their return journey and at some stage the defendant started to follow them and as they arrived at hospital Lane he tried to grab the lady’s handbag. She tried to hang on to it and in the end he gave up and ran off.

“She suffered cuts to her left eyebrow and needed stitches. The defendant was again identified by his DNA which was on her bag. When he was arrested he gave a ‘no comment’ interview,” Mr Searle said.

He said Bott, of The Oval, Market Drayton, was recalled to prison the following month after yet another property was broken into where jewellery and a TV with a total value of £1,700 were stolen.

The missing goods included an heirloom earring passed down through five generations of the victim’s family.

Mr Paul Smith, mitigating, told the video hearing that Bott suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, but also worked as a labourer and tree surgeon.

“He is very clear that his offending is due to his drug addiction. He explains to me that he finds being in custody a good environment to conquer his difficulties. He will have challenges when he returns to the community,” Mr Smith added.

For the offences Bott was jailed for a total of five years. He must serve half before being released. There was a compensation order made for £380 of cash that was seized when he was arrested.

Judge Jim Tindal said: “I hope when you come out you will be better prepared than when you left prison the last time.”