Steph Bruton has been jailed for three years and three months for burglary
THE mum of a "career burglar" may have to move house after her son targeted a neighbour, a court has heard.
Steph Bruton broke into a property just yards from his home in Uplands, Swansea, smashing a rear window to gain entry then making off with televisions, a laptop and a ring given to the victim by her mother.
When arrested, the 24-year-old told police he had sold two of the TVs for £30 to buy Valium — in fact officers found them in the attic of the family home.
However, the stolen laptop and ring have never been recovered.
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Bruton, of Uplands Terrace, had previously pleaded guilty to burglary when he appeared in the dock of Swansea Crown Court for sentencing. He had also previously pleaded guilty to stealing a PlayStation computer console from an ex-partner after being invited into her house.
Brian Simpson, prosecuting, said that his neighbour had popped out for a only a matter of hours but on returning had found her home "ransacked". He said the victim now feels unable to live in the burgled house, and is staying with family while she looks for a new home.
The court heard Bruton has convictions for a string of burglaries, and has already served two length prison terms for previous break-ins.
Andrew Evans, in mitigation, said his client was aware of the impact his offending was having on his mother.
The advocate said that "the whole community knows that he could have committed this offence against any one of them" and that as a result of the way people were feeling, Bruton's mother may have to move away.
Judge Peter Heywood described the neighbour-burglary as a "mean offence" and said that Bruton might be considered a "career burglar".
He jailed the defendant for three years for the burglary, and an additional three months for the theft.
Read more: http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Swansea-career-burglar-targeted-neighbour/story-28041275-detail/story.html#ixzz3pawKUH2n
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