A prolific Wrexham burglar has been jailed for three and half years after raiding his stepfather’s home while out of prison on licence.
Billy Dean Bowen, 27, stole a PlayStation 4, DVDs and cash from the property on Stanley Street, Hightown , on June 5 this year.
He was caught in the act thanks to CCTV that had been installed inside the property by his stepfather Eryl Bowen, Chester Crown Court heard today.
Prosecuting barrister David Mainstone said the victim, who lives with his mum Christine Bowen, had known the defendant since he was 10 years old and had “helped to raise him”.
He told the court that the house was empty at the time of the burglary and that Bowen, of Bodlyn, Acrefair, had kicked in the front door.
The defendant then stole a PlayStation 4 worth £350, four Blu-ray DVDs, £30 cash, four pairs of socks, deodorant and hair clippers.
Mr Mainstone said Bowen has a “bad record of burglary”, the majority of which have been distraction burglaries against the elderly.
Defending barrister John Hedgecoe said his client had been released from prison on license for 10 months “without getting into trouble”.
He told the court: “He has no problems with alcohol or drugs. He’s just a young man who makes bad decisions on occasions.”
Mr Hedgecoe said Bowen and his partner had an argument prior to the burglary and that he “fell off the rails”.
He added that his client intended to do a plastering course while in custody and when released would be moving away from the Wrexham area.
Judge Geraint Walters told Bowen he had a “dreadful record” and that he needed to “start getting the message”.
He said: “You targeted the house of your step father. There was no one in, you forced your way in and you stole.
“What I can’t begin to understand is why you did it.”
Bowen was also hit with a five-year restraining order preventing him from entering Stanley Street and approaching Eryl Bowen or Christine Bowen.
Following the sentence, North Wales Police Det Chief Inspector Neil Harrison said: “Bowen has numerous convictions for burglary dwelling and is a habitual offender.
"The sentence given by the courts today ensures that the community of Wrexham is kept safe from further harm by Bowen.
“North Wales Police continues to put considerable resources into the investigation of burglaries , to reduce the number of offences and so that people can feel safe in their own homes.”
For full story see - http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/prolific-wrexham-burglar-jailed-raiding-10334026
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