Serial burglar Robert Maytum jailed after being caught red-handed in Maidstone house
by Julia Roberts
Serial burglar Robert Maytum might have been caught
red-handed in a ransacked property with just a small amount of
loose change in his pockets, but he is now bearing the cost of his
crime - four years behind bars.
The 24-year-old faced an automatic minimum sentence of three
years for committing what was his third break-in.
But Judge Charles Byers imposed a longer jail term at
Maidstone Crown Court after branding his crimes, which included a
further 11 offences Maytum asked to be taken into consideration, as
"distasteful and dangerous".
"Burglary is a very serious offence even if the amount of
property taken is small," he said. "Many victims find that the
intrusion in their house stays with them for the rest of their
lives."
Maytum, of Drawbridge Close, Maidstone, admitted burglary at the
property in Gloucester Road, Maidstone.
Judge Byers also ordered the sentence be served consecutive
to one of 60 days imposed on November 26 for theft.
The offences taken into consideration included three other
domestic burglaries, theft of earthing cable from a sub-station and
six non-dwelling burglaries, four of which were allotment
sheds.
Iestyn Morgan, prosecuting, said the owner of the property
was in the process of moving out and her belongings were packed
into boxes.
Burglar Robert Maytum was
jailed at Maidstone Crown Court
On July 9, police were alerted to a break-in and found Maytum
inside. The boxes had been ransacked and two pushchairs had been
loaded up, ready to be moved.
"The defendant said he was just looking around, but when asked
to turn out his pockets he emptied an amount of loose change and
other items from the property," explained Mr Morgan.
The court heard two 32in TVs were missing. "He was aware
that someone else had already broken into the house," added the
prosecutor. "When Maytum was found at the property the TVs were
already gone."
Keith Middleton, defending, said the former water meter
installer should be given credit for "wanting to clean his
slate".
Automatic minimum sentences of three years are imposed for third
offences of burglary under what is known as the "three strikes"
rule.
06/12/12
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