A burglar who suffered injuries after smashing the window of an elderly womanโs home in Herringthorpe has been jailed after police linked blood from the scene back to him.ย
Shaun Mason, 55, broke into the pensionerโs property in the East Herringthorpe area of the town on Thursday 6 April, taking her television, money and wedding rings. She returned home after shopping to find her property ransacked.
Mason was arrested by officers in the Neighbourhood Crime Team (NCT) in Rotherham, who specialise in the investigation of serious acquisitive crime.
Detective Constable Jack Mitchell said: โMason was quickly identified as being responsible for the burglary, as heโd smashed the window of the rear door to gain entry, causing injury to himself and bleeding within the property.
โHe didnโt give any thought to the DNA evidence he was leaving behind linking him to his despicable crime, and he clearly had no regard for the victimโs home or her belongings.
โThe blood from the scene was forensically linked to Mason, and we also found CCTV of Mason carrying the womanโs television. Checks with local pawn shops confirmed Mason had brought the television in to be traded.โ
When Mason was arrested, he admitted committing the burglary and told detectives he wanted to go back to prison.
At Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday 11 May, Mason, formerly of Dalton Lane, Rotherham, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after admitting burglary and theft.
DC Mitchell continued: โWithin the Neighbourhood Crime Team we are absolutely committed to targeting, disrupting and apprehending those individuals who commit burglaries. We know that this crime has a massive impact on victims because your home is where you are supposed to feel safe.
โWe are indebted to the victim in this case for her support and resolve โ itโs a shocking and upsetting experience to return home to find your property has been damaged and sentimental items taken. Weโre also grateful to the local community for helping with our enquiries.
โMason was arrested, charged and sentenced within around a month of his crimes taking place. I hope this demonstrates to the public how determined we are to tackling this crime and bringing offenders before the courts.โ
