Man jailed after he burgled a retirement flat in Formby

A man was sentenced yesterday, Thursday 20 March, after he burgled a retirement flat in #Formby and detectives found his DNA on a bottle of Babysham.

David Keating, 49 years, formerly of Breckfield Road North in Anfield, pleaded guilty to Burglary with Intent and was sentenced to two years and five months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court.

The court heard that in the afternoon of Friday 14 June last year, a man broke into the flat of an elderly woman on Freshfield Road and stole jewellery of sentimental value, bottles of perfume, a blood pressure machine, electronic devices and money while the occupant wasn’t at home.

It was further reported that the offender had helped themselves to food and alcohol during the burglary, including a bottle of Babysham and some brandy.

Following a forensic examination, Keating’s DNA was found on the Babysham bottle.

Subsequently in June, it was reported that a man snapped a gold snake bracelet in two then sold the head and tail to a pawn brokers in Bootle.

Last month 61-year-old Mark Hollinshead, of Maple Close in Seaforth pleaded guilty to Handling Stolen Goods and Criminal Damage at Liverpool Magistrates Court. He was given 10 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, levied with compensation and court costs totalling £380.

Detective Inspector Kevin O'Rourke, who leads the Burglary Team (Operation Castle), said: “Keating callously targeted the flat knowing the victim was elderly and stole jewellery of significant sentimental value along with her grandfather’s war medals.”

“Following enquiries we were able to find three old rings and a part of the broken bracelet, and they were returned to the owner.”

Detective Inspector Kevin O'Rourke said: “Being a victim of burglary can have a massive impact on the families affected as they have had their home invaded which is an awful experience to go through.”

“I would continue to encourage people to reports any suspicious behaviour so we can take action. We are determined to keep reducing offences and the harm this causes across Merseyside, and we will act on information we receive.”

“We encourage people to come forward if you know anything about suspected burglary and the sale of stolen goods where you are. We’ll act on all information provided.”

“We will continue to work proactively with communities and our partners to keep this progress going.”

Click here for advice and protection against burglary: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

If you have CCTV, smart doorbell or dashcam footage of suspicious activity in your area but don’t know if it is linked to a specific offence, you can upload it online for the Operation Castle team here: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/castle

Your footage will be reviewed for potential links to reported offences in your area, and may help us gather evidence to solve burglaries and bring offenders to justice.

You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC. You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.