Prolific burglar jailed thanks to '˜excellent' work of police officers

Anthony Murdoch, 33, was jailed for five years and six months after pleading guilty to three burglaries when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court today (Thursday 31 August 2017).

Murdoch, of no fixed abode, admitted burgling the homes in the Mansfield Woodhouse, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Warsop areas between July 13 and 21, and also taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent in Mansfield Woodhouse between July 15 and 18. He also admitted driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

The court heard that Murdoch stole a television and a laptop after breaking into the property in Warsop. When officers attended his old address in Warsop he wasn’t in but when they checked a garden shed at the back of the address they found the stolen laptop in a bag. A fingerprint belonging to Murdoch was recovered from the laptop.

Murdoch stole a woman’s handbag and her car key from her home in Mansfield Woodhouse before taking her car. A crime scene investigator recovered a palm print from a window which was later identified as that of Murdoch.

In a police interview Murdoch admitted stealing jewellery, cash and electrical items from the home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The victim found Murdoch standing in her living room. He unlocked a patio door before he running off. A crime scene investigator recovered a palm print at the scene, relating to Murdoch, and a footwear impression from a window sill where Murdoch got into the home.

Speaking after the sentencing Detective Inspector Gareth Harding said: “Murdoch is a prolific burglar and his arrest has undoubtedly prevented many more people becoming victims of acquisitive crime.

“His arrest was the result of excellent work by three of our Police Constables who had only been given the task to arrest him that day.

“The arrest was followed up by a thorough investigation by two Detective Constables who secured the charges and my thanks goes to them for a highly professional investigation.”

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