August 14, 2017 3.24 pm This story is over 79 months old

Strong words from judge who jails man caught handling stolen goods

He was found not guilty of other charges.

A prolific offender who was found with stolen jewellery has been jailed at Lincoln Crown Court.

Leon Rayner’s home was searched by police because he was suspected of having some involvement in the burglary in which the jewellery was taken.

Sam Skinner, prosecuting, said: “A search was carried out at the defendant’s home and a large amount of jewellery and costume jewellery was found.

“The victim of the burglary identified a necklace belonging to his mother.”

Rayner, 38, of Allenby Way, Skegness, admitted a charge of possessing criminal property between January 19 and February 11 this year.

He was jailed for 12 months.

Judge Simon Hirst, passing sentence, told him: “Your record is appalling. You have one of the worst records for burgling other people’s houses that I have come across.

“You have pleaded guilty to one count of possession of criminal property – a necklace being the proceeds of a burglary some time earlier.”

Edna Leonard, in mitigation, said that Rayner has requested that he be placed on a tag when he is released.

“It is his resolve to stay offence free, ” she told the court.