Security camera records burglary

12:55pm Thursday 23rd November 2006

A burglar who broke into a neighbour's house was caught on CCTV.

Daniel Gurney was seen breaking into the property four times while the occupant and her son were asleep. He stole a mobile phone and laptop computer, Worcester Crown Court heard.

He told police he had an alibi before being confronted by the CCTV evidence, said Susan Cliff, prosecuting.

The victim, Elizabeth Arthur, recognised him on the security video.

Gurney, aged 21, of Deacle Place, Evesham, pleaded guilty to burglary and was jailed for 16 months.

The break-in at Burlingham Avenue, Evesham, was on August 12 at around 2am. Gurney found the house keys after they were accidentally left on a rabbit hutch by the occupant.

He had a record of 49 previous convictions, which included robbery, blackmail, assault, drug possession, burglary and handling stolen goods.

In October, he was jailed for a month for handling and harassment.

Julian Harris, defending, said Gurney got involved in crime to feed "an appalling drug habit" which began at the age of 14.

At the time of the break-in, he had taken ten valium tablets and had no recollection of the burglary.

Mr Harris asked for Gurney to be assessed for a drug treatment and testing order as an alternative to custody.

But Judge John Cavell said it was a mean offence at night against someone he knew, which could only be dealt with by a prison sentence.

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