Burglar targeted home in Leeds as children were in bed

A BURGLAR targeted a house as family members were asleep in bed in order to steal keys to a car parked outside the property.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Sep 2016, 12:58 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2016, 12:56 BST

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Andrew Scott.Andrew Scott.
Andrew Scott.

Andrew Scott, 39, was then involved in a high speed police chase after stealing the vehicle before crashing into another car.

Leeds Crown Court heard Scott broke into the house on Sissons Crescent, Middleton, in the early hours of August 27 this year.

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Young children and their parents were in bed asleep at the time of the break-in. Scott stole keys to a Vauxhall Insignia before driving off in the vehicle with belongings including a handbag and electrical items.

Police officers followed the car after seeing Scott drive through a red light. Andrew Horton, prosecuting, said Scott drove above the speed limit along Dewsbury Road, Beeston, as he tried to get away from the officers.

At one stage he reversed the vehicle into the police car before driving away.

Scott then collided with another car at the junction of Middleton Grove. He then tried to run away but was detained by officers.

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The items stolen in the burglary were found in the vehicle along with a screwdriver and a knife.

Scott, of Savile Mews, Dewsbury, pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, dangerous driving, possessing a bladed article, having no licence and having no insurance.

The court heard Scott has a lengthy criminal record for burglary, drug offences and violence.

Ian Cook, mitigating, said Scott had pleaded guilty to the offence at an early stage and his offending was linked to drug addiction.

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Mr Cook said Scott had not committed an offence of burglary since 2004 and had been receiving help to tackle his addiction.

He added that the offence happened at a time when he was on the run for other matters. He was unable to access medication and lapsed into drug abuse.

Scott was jailed for three years, eight months.

Jailing Scott, judge Geoffrey Marson, QC, said: “Burgling someone’s home is a wicked thing to do. It causes terrible distress, particularly when children were in the house.

“Fortunately they were not disturbed but I have no doubt that this will live long with the family.

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“It is rightly accepted that nothing other then immediate custody should be justified.”

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Related topics:Andrew ScottLeedsSportMiddletonVauxhall