“Brazen” burglar jailed after targeting elderly couple

A BURGLAR who “brazenly” entered the home of an elderly couple while they were both at home and stole money from them has been jailed.

Shaun Battye, of no fixed abode, targeted the couple at their home on Middle Lane South in Herringthorpe on July 4 when the elderly gentleman was in the front garden.

Battye (49) pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (October 5) and was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for burglary.

The court heard how Battye brazenly entered the property while the gentleman was in the front garden.

After breaking in, he was then confronted by the man’s wife, forcing him to flee the property but not before stealing an amount of money.

Battye was caught on CCTV enabling police to quickly identify, question and charge him.

At the time of the offence, Battye was on licence following a previous conviction for burglary for which he had been jailed for three years and eight months.

Officer in charge of the case, PC Lisa Cooke, said: “This sentencing is a pleasing result and sees a repeat offender taken off our streets and put behind bars.

“I hope this serves as a warning to individuals who choose to break the law and cause fear to people in their homes that we will pursue you for your crimes and bring you to justice.”