South Yorkshire burglar caught trying to escape over garden fence

A drunk and drugged-up South Yorkshire burglar was caught trying to escape over a garden fence after ransacking a house on the street where he lives, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ryan Harris made "several failed attempts to leave the garden" on Arden Gate, Balby, Doncaster, after a neighbour saw him and raised the alarm at 12.20pm on October 12.

He was caught with a bag containing stolen goods and the patio doors had been forced open, said prosecutor Brian Outhwaite.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The complainant said he was left “anxious and feeling sick that his partner and their young child could have been home” when Harris broke in.

Stock - House Robber / Burglar / burglary / break inStock - House Robber / Burglar / burglary / break in
Stock - House Robber / Burglar / burglary / break in

Harris told police he “made a mistake” and had taken alcohol and valium.

He has previous convictions for burglary in 2005 and two counts of robbery in 2006. His last offence was for theft in 2015, and he was last jailed in 2013.

Chris Aspinall, mitigating, said the death of Harris's grandmother caused him to re-offend after a four-year break.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He says he was so intoxicated he simply he has no recollection," Mr Aspinall said. "He does not know why he did as he did. He has demonstrated he can stay out of trouble.

"He is very anxious to continue caring for his mother who suffers from COPD."

The court heard he was arrested when he breached his bail by returning to his mother's address to collect clothing.

Harris, aged 34, of Arden Gate, Balby, Doncaster, pleaded guilty to burglary at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Judge Graham Reeds QC sentenced him to eight months in prison.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here https://bit.ly/2YqMXgK so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.