Tunbridge Wells burglar jailed
by Angela Cole
acole@thekmgroup.co.uk
A man who stole from a couple in their 80s has been jailed for
three years.
Twenty-four-year-old Michael Jonathon Smith, previously from
Pennington Road, Tunbridge Wells, had climbed through the window of
the elderly couple's home in Ramslye Road, Tunbridge Wells, on
Friday, December 7, stealing jewellery worth between £1,500 and
£2,000.
At Maidstone Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday), Smith
admitted committing nine other burglaries across Tunbridge Wells
between October and December 2012.
Identified by fingerprints at the scene, Smith was arrested on
Tuesday, January 8, and later charged. The stolen jewellery –
including a wedding and engagement rings - was never
recovered.
Investigating officer, DC Neil Buckle said: “In interview Smith
showed remorse for the fear and distress he had caused the victims
but it was too late, and the damage had been done.
"The jewellery he stole had huge sentimental value to the
victims and it is unlikely they will get it back, as Smith
indicated he had sold it. Smith is one of three prolific burglars
in the Tunbridge Wells area that we have a secured substantial
prison sentences against recently and we will continue to
proactively target burglars and ensure that they too are put behind
bars.”
24/01/13
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