A MAN who attempted to burgle homes in Bournemouth while wearing a distinctive deerstalker hat has been jailed.

Anthony Higgins, 32, tried to enter properties in Markham Road and Crichel Road at night on March 1, when the country was in national lockdown.

His attempts to enter the homes by trying door handles were all caught on Ring doorbells, which produced video recordings when motion was detected.

Higgins appeared via video link from HMP Channings Wood for a sentencing hearing at Salisbury Crown Court on Friday, October 24.

He previously pleaded guilty to four charges of attempted dwelling burglary.

Prosecuting, Stuart Ellacott said the offences were “very similar if not identical”.

“All the properties are occupied, some with families with children,” said Mr Ellacott.

The prosecutor said one of the residents reported suffering sleepless nights and felt “terrified”, with extra security installed at their property as a result.

“The captures (from the doorbells) were made available to the police,” said Mr Ellacott.

“The defendant was identified.”

Bournemouth Echo: Anthony HigginsAnthony Higgins

In police interview, Higgins answered no comment to most questions. He said it was not him in the CCTV and he did not commit the offences, the court heard.

The defendant had 19 convictions for 34 offences, dating back to 2002, and he was in prison on recall for breaching his licence conditions following release in October last year.

Mitigating, Tom Wilkins said there was little to be put forward in relation to the offences other than they were attempts rather than completed burglaries.

Sentencing Judge Robert Pawson told the defendant: “Your record Mr Higgins, I am afraid, is appalling.”

The judge said Higgins was equipped to the extent that he was wearing the deerstalker hat and gloves.

The crimes had caused “real fear” and it was a greater harm case, Judge Pawson said.

In a letter to the judge, the defendant said there was a lack of support for offenders when they are released from prison.

Judge Pawson said this was a matter for policy makers, including those at the Home Office.

After the judge passed a 22-month prison sentence, Higgins told the court: “I am sorry for what I have done.

“I am on a good path at the moment and I hope I can leave it all behind me. I won’t do this anymore.”

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