Mark Ahearne was jailed at Swansea Crown Court
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A PROLIFIC burglar who "terrified" a group of young Brownies when he broke into a scout hut has been jailed for two years and eight months.
The court recorder said the eight and nine year-old children were left "traumatised" after their weekend trip to the Brynmill hut was interrupted by an inebriated Mark Ahearne scouring the place for cash.
Swansea Crown Court heard the children and their leaders were playing bingo on the evening of October 28 when they heard banging coming from part of the building.
As the noise grew louder the group barricaded themselves inside a room and phoned for help.
"They were naturally terrified," prosecuting lawyer Helen Randall said.
"They heard footsteps and then someone trying door handles."
When officers arrived they found 37-year-old Ahearne with a stolen purse in one hand and a screwdriver in the other.
The leaders refused to open the door to police until they called out to a leader by their name.
Officers said that when he was arrested he said: "I wanted to be caught."
The court heard he had been found guilty of 121 offences including 19 burglaries.
Ahearne, of Victoria Terrace, Brynmill, had previously pleaded guilty to burglary at Swansea Magistrates Court.
Recorder T Petts said: "You know how serious this offence is because this isn't the first time you've been before a court for burglary, but even for you, breaking into a Scout hut where Brownies were on a trip is a particular low point.
"It's no excuse to say you didn't see anyone there because it must've been perfectly obvious people were there."
In mitigation, barrister Jon Tarrant said he "obviously had an extensive record, including numerous burglaries" but had worked hard to piece his life together after his last conviction.
"He had a falling out between him and his partner and, for want of a better word, he lapsed," Mr Tarrant explained.
"All he can do is offer his apologies."
Ahearne was jailed for two years and eight months.
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/burglar-jailed-for-8220-terrifying-8221-young-brownies-on-brynmill-trip/story-29940892-detail/story.html#z1UJ0POH8xj9TvFz.99
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