A BURGLAR who gave false details throughout an investigation and subsequent court case after targeting homes in and around the city has been locked up for four and a half years.
James Cash, from Gloucester, was jailed yesterday (Tuesday) at Worcester Crown Court after pleading guilty to three counts of burglary and one count of perverting the course of justice.
The 28-year-old carried out the burglaries on September 7 at three homes in the Blackpole and Fernhill Heath areas.
He was arrested after a concerned member of the public called the police to report a number of men had broken into a house on Ivy Lane in Fernhill Heath and gave details of a car they were seen arriving in.
Officers immediately attended the location and within 15 minutes following a search of the area the car was found and Cash, who was in the driving seat, was detained.
Detective Sergeant Dave Knight from Worcester police station said: “Unfortunately, three other men suspected of being involved in the burglary managed to get away from officers.
“However, when the car Cash was in was searched, we did find a number of stolen items from other burglaries – which had taken place that evening – inside the vehicle. Other items from those burglaries were also found dumped in the area.
“We are satisfied with the sentence Cash has received for these offences and his plea of guilt, which I am sure will come as a relief to the victims and witnesses involved as they now will not have to suffer the further distress of giving evidence in court.
“West Mercia Police is currently taking part in a national burglary and stolen goods week of action and this case acts as a timely reminder that when police receive information from the public about suspicious activity in their area, then we will act upon it.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that if they do have any details about burglaries, then they can call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
