Christmas Eve burglar jailed for three years (From Bournemouth Echo)

Christmas Eve burglar jailed for three years

3:33pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News

A burglar who robbed a woman in her own home on Christmas Eve has been jailed for three years.

Christopher Sims, 36,  broke into a house Browning Avenue in Bournemouth while the occupant was asleep inside on Christmas Eve morning last year.

The victim, a 57-year-old, awoke to find Sims rifling through her handbag in her bedroom. He then assaulted her and fled with her mobile phone.

The same night he also attempted to burgle a house at Carbery Gardens in Bournemouth, although he did not succeed in gaining entry.

Blood left at the first house was tested and Sims was identified. Forensic evidence linked Sims to both crimes but locating him proved difficult.

Police tracked him down to an address in Winton on January 3 and last week Sims pleaded guilty to both crimes at Bournemouth Crown Court.

He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for the offence at Browning Avenue and a further 12 months concurrent for the attempted burglary at Carberry Gardens.

Detective Constable Timothy Davis, of Bournemouth & Poole Priority Crime Team, said: “This was an appalling crime where an innocent victim was attacked within the confines of her own home – the one place she should feel safest.

“Thankfully crimes such as this are extremely unusual in Dorset.

“I am pleased that we were able to identify and arrest Sims quickly and efficiently. The sentence handed out reflects the serious nature of this crime and ensures that other residents in Dorset are protected from this type of offence.”