Prolific burglar with crimes dating back to 1998 jailed after break-in at Leeds home

Lee Brimble, 40, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Leeds Crown Court earlier today after pleading guilty to the crime of burglary.

Prosecutor Robert Gallaway told the court how the 40-year-old was caught on CCTV breaking into the home on Westminster Crescent, Halton, while the homeowner was on a business trip to Scotland.

The court heard how the homeowner contacted police after being alerted by his patio door sensors and watched via his kitchen CCTV as two men entered his home. Upon his return he discovered items including a 55-inch TV, Xbox controller and Nintendo switch console, worth a total estimated cost of £1,249, had been stolen.

Brimble, who the court heard has a lengthy list of previous convictions and burglary offences dating back to 1998, was later identified by police and was arrested in January of this year. He was on license at the time of the incident for shoplifting offences.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the homeowner detailed how the burglary had left him feeling “unsettled and unsafe” living alone. The incident has left him with anxiety and he is now “hyper vigilant” whenever anyone approaches his door.

In mitigation, defence counsel Adrian Pollard told the court how his client had struggled with periods of homelessness throughout 2025 following the breakdown of a relationship the year previous.

Mr Pollard said his client makes “no attempts to justify his actions” and has invited probation to contact the homeowner in the hopes of offering an apology.

Passing sentence, Judge Simon Batiste told the defendant that as a result of his ”very long record” he had no choice but to hand down an immediate custodial term. He sentenced him to two years and four months in prison, he will serve up to half of that before being released on license.

“I hope you can find accommodation upon your release and not fall back into addiction,” Judge Batiste added.