Wrong-turn burglar caught by his victim
POLICE have praised a resident who caught a prolific drug-addicted burglar who had broken in to his home.
Stephen Neal, 25, of High Barns, Ely, had raided more than 20 homes in the Ely area but came unstuck when he burgled a home in the city’s St Mary’s Street on November 19.
Cambridge Crown Court heard that when the occupant returned Neal ran off but his victim chased him and cornered him when he ran up a dead end.
Neal initially claimed he had been hiding from people he owed money to, but later pleaded guilty to burglary.
On Monday he asked for a further 18 house burglaries, two attempted break-ins and two business burglaries to be taken into consideration by the court. He was jailed for two years and five months.
The court heard he had committed the burglaries during a three-month period in order to feed his drug habit.
Area Commander, Chief Inspector Russ Waterston said: “Neal has been a prolific offender and brought misery to many victims in the Ely area. The victim in the latest break-in showed great courage in chasing after him to ensure he was caught and ultimately brought to justice.”
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Friday 25 May 2012
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