A burglar who was one of Doncaster's most wanted men and was behind a £5,000 raid is now behind bars.

Blade Neale and others ransacked a home in Carcroft in September 2023 after forcing open a window at the address.

He stole expensive watches, jewellery and cash to the total value of £5,560 before fleeing the scene.

After the crime was reported to police, an investigation was launched which saw detectives gather key witness statements and corroborate this with CCTV footage which showed Neale in full view.

Blade Neale has been jailed over the £5,000 burglary.

placeholder image — Blade Neale has been jailed over the £5,000 burglary.

As Neale and his associates walked along a street moments after the burglary, he was seen concealing bulky items under his top.

After desperate attempts to try and evade officers, Neale was arrested in Lincoln in August 2024 just days after South Yorkshire Police issued a public appeal for information on his whereabouts.

He was brought before the courts after being charged with burglary dwelling and theft and on Monday (30 September) he pleaded guilty to the offence.

He was sentenced the same day to 876 days in prison, equivalent to around two years and four months.

Nathan Scotting was jailed earlier this year for his part in the burglary.

An associate, Nathan Scotting, 22, of Victoria Road, Instoneville, was jailed for three-and-a-half years in February 2024 after also pleading guilty to the same burglary.

The pair were investigated as part of Operation Castle - a team of Doncaster detectives brought together to investigate burglaries in people's homes, which has resulted in dozens of criminals being sentenced and put behind bars.

Detective Constable Mark Parry, officer in charge of the case, said: "Neale was completely reckless as he ransacked a couple's home and stole sentimental possessions.

"His victims returned home to find their property in a state of disarray, and we are pleased Neale has been brought before the courts and given an immediate custodial sentence.

"We know first-hand just how devastating these burglaries can be and the impact they can have on people's lives, and we just will not tolerate these crimes.

"Through Operation Castle, we are gathering more and more intelligence on well-known offenders and recognising patterns of offending which has helped us to secure convictions against some prolific individuals.

"We will continue to secure justice for victims of burglaries in Doncaster and I hope this reassures people that we will not tolerate burglars and thieves in this city."