Man jailed at Antrim Crown Court over Co Derry burglary spree
Brandon Henry James Steele, aged 22, and from Glenvara Drive, Coleraine received a sentence of four years – 18 months of which will be served in custody and 30 months will be served on licence.
This follows an investigation into reports of burglaries, at two neighbouring houses on Limavady’s Edenmore Road area on Friday 10, April 2020.
Detective Sergeant Gardiner said: “During both incidents, the female occupants were pushed. In both cases, the culprit demanded money and broke the victims’ phones when they tried to phone police.
“These were cowardly acts, which understandably left the occupants extremely shaken.
“I’m keen to thank the families of the victims, as well as local people, for their support.
“When Steele was disturbed by a family member and fled from one of the houses, members of the public managed to detain him, allowing police to make the arrest shortly afterwards.
“In February of this year, he pleaded guilty to offences including two counts of robbery and two counts of criminal damage.”
He was also sentenced for burglary with intent to steal for an indictable offence of common assault.
Detective Sergeant Gardiner continued: “Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home.
“I hope today’s outcome sends out a very clear message that such despicable actions won’t be tolerated.”
Tags: